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THE REVIEW
Among the many pioneers of the NWOBHM, few have been as underrated as Saxon. Perhaps due to their too direct style, perhaps because they weren't technically perfect, but in any case, their name is often overlooked among those who made 80s heavy metal great.
A real shame because they deserve to be taken into consideration, especially for this 'Strong Arm Of The Law' from 1980, considered their all-time masterpiece. It may be less immediate compared to the previous album, but listening to an opener like Heavy Metal Thunder, with Biff Bydford's growl and the distorted guitars forming a wall of sound, you can't help but be impressed. To Hell And Back Again is a lively song endowed with that good dose of speed that only heavy metal possesses.
And then there's the masterpiece, the title-track Strong Arm Of The Law, with a terrific chorus in which Byford demonstrates what kind of lungs he possesses. You love this song from the first listen because it really sticks with you. In Taking Your Chances, one must appreciate especially the great work of the two guitars, played by Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver. The short interlude and then the final solos are really beautiful, demonstrating that even while composing rather simple riffs, Saxon also know how to play like the great metal artists.
The most compelling track on the record is called 20,000 Feet, where Peter Gill's drums seem to never stop, and the whole band is in great form. Hungry Years is a nice blues-metal, while Sixth from girls presents us with an obsessive riff played throughout the whole song. A masterpiece closes the album: Dallas 1 PM, which narrates the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy that occurred in 1963. Steve Dawson's bass in this song is formidable, especially in the intro where the guitars come in afterward. The lyrics of the song are also beautiful, and Byford gives a splendid performance.
This album takes your breath away from start to finish, not a single slow piece, not a single guitar without distortion. Continuing to overlook an album like this would be a great mistake because they don't make records like this anymore these days!
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Summary by Bot
Saxon’s 'Strong Arm Of The Law' is a landmark album in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, showcasing powerful vocals and skilled guitar work. Despite being underrated, the album includes standout tracks like 'Heavy Metal Thunder' and the emotionally charged 'Dallas 1 PM.' This 1980 release offers relentless energy and expertly crafted riffs, proving Saxon as true metal pioneers not to be overlooked.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Saxon
Saxon are an English heavy metal band associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). They formed in the mid-1970s (originally as Son of a Bitch) and rose to prominence around 1979–1981, with vocalist Peter “Biff” Byford as their defining frontman.18 Reviews
Other reviews
By mollet
Heavy Metal, a word that can mean many things, passion, genius, pogo, mosh, etc... But only one distinguishes it and that’s HARDNESS.
I consider this album one of the most influential for Heavy Metal and, in my opinion, lays the foundation for what the Heavy Metal of the eighties would be.
