Saxon Albums: Worst to First
My personal rankings of all of Saxon's studio albums. |
| 22 |  | Saxon
Saxon
I want to cut Saxon some slack for not finding their sound quite yet... But this album just doesn't compare to anything else they've ever made.
Best Song: Stallions of the Highway
2/5 |
| 21 |  | Saxon
Into the Labyrinth
Generic to say the very least. Over produced, bland and unoriginal with the occasional highlight sprinkled throughout.
Best Song: Valley of the Kings
2.5/5 |
| 20 |  | Saxon
Wheels of Steel
Extremely overrated, and a very poor way to introduce the band to newcomers. Still holds a few bonafide classics, but mostly one-note and drab to say the very least.
Best Song: Motorcycle Man
2.5/5 |
| 19 |  | Saxon
Innocence is No Excuse
Mediocre outing from the group, but a large amount of the blame can be placed on the record company they were signed with at the time. However, glimpses of greatness are speckled throughout the record, touting classics such as "Back on the Street" and "Rockin' Again"
Best Song: Broken Heroes
2.5/5 |
| 18 |  | Saxon
Destiny
An improvement over Innocence for the simple fact they fully embraced the glam metal image the label forced upon them. Provides just enough 80's cheese to keep you interested throughout the album.
Best Song: Red Alert
3/5 |
| 17 |  | Saxon
Lionheart
Yet another overrated album from the group, but with killer production and great intensity. Tracks like "English Man 'O War" and "Man & Machine" are enough to keep this record from being a complete throwaway.
Best Song: Witchfinder General
3/5 |
| 16 |  | Saxon
Battering Ram
A promising first half slowly takes a dive in quality as the album progresses, with tons of uninspired drab tracks and stale riffs. The fantastic production from Andy Sneap holds the album together well enough to give the band's 21st album a mild recommendation for die-hard Saxon elites.
Best Song: The Devil's Footprint
3/5 |
| 15 |  | Saxon
Denim and Leather
An enjoyable outing from the band, that leaves something to be desired. Classics like "Denim and Leather" and "Princess of the Night" demand to be played in live venues, but sadly overshadow the less inspired tracks on the record.
Best Song: Fire in the Sky
3/5 |
| 14 |  | Saxon
Call to Arms
The stripped down production of the record gives it a unique feel. and the roaring ode to the band's humble beginnings, "Back in 79" deserves to be played in every concert from now on. However a few duds hold this album back from being something excellent.
Best Song: Hammer of the Gods
3.5/5 |
| 13 |  | Saxon
Killing Ground
Killing Ground is an interesting release from the group, and sees the band delving into more a progressive territories. Although a few filler tracks can be found, the highlights are not ones to be missed.
Best Track: Killing Ground
3.5/5 |
| 12 |  | Saxon
Strong Arm of the Law
Major improvement over Saxon's first two releases, as the band finally found their trademarked sound. A great blend of hard rock and heavy metal make this a fine addition to any metalhead's collection.
Best Song: Heavy Metal Thunder
3.5/5 |
| 11 |  | Saxon
Forever Free
Criminally underrated record that deserves more recognition than it currently holds. From the biker anthem "Forever Free" to the folksy balladry of "Iron Wheels", this albums has more to provide that most give it credit for.
Best Song: Grind
3.5/5 |
| 10 |  | Saxon
Crusader
Intensity, vivid imagery and a healthy does of humor propel this album to near-classic status, but an inconsistent track listing and dismal production hold it back from being something great.
Best Song: Crusader
3.5/5 |
| 9 |  | Saxon
Solid Ball of Rock
Saxon finally makes their triumphant return to form after a string of disappointing 80's albums. While by no means perfect, it still stands well on its own and warrants repeated listens.
Best Song: Crash Dive
4/5 |
| 8 |  | Saxon
Rock the Nations
Yet another underrated gem from the bands catalog. Strong track listing from start to finish, including the powerful opening track "Rock the Nations" to the anthemic "Waiting for the Night".
Best Track: Battle Cry
4/5 |
| 7 |  | Saxon
Sacrifice
Everything "Enter the Labyrinth" wanted to be, but failed to achieve. Mostly consisting of slow grooving jams like "Sacrifice" and "Wheels of Terror" , the record creates the perfect midnight drive vibes. Tight musicianship and creative songwriting transport you to another dimension full of war and tribal rituals.
Best Song: Guardians of the Tomb
4/5 |
| 6 |  | Saxon
The Inner Sanctum
Mood and atmospherics drench the bands 17th studio outing, giving the record a great vibe and feel. Thunderous tracks wreak havoc across the album. including the trash-tastic "Let Me Feel Your Power" to the dazzling epic, "Attila the Hun".
Best Song: Red Star Falling
4/5 |
| 5 |  | Saxon
Dogs of War
Saxon shows of their creativity and diversity throughout their 1995 release, "Dogs of War". Whether it be the southern rock flavorings of "Don't Worry" or the oriental romp "Walking Through Tokyo", you are sure to find many aspects of quality.
Best Song: Great White Buffalo
4.5/5 |
| 4 |  | Saxon
Power and the Glory
The album title sums up what the entire record is all about. Non-stop in your face intensity, triumphant riffs, impeccable vocal melodies, and classic aplenty.
Best Song; The Eagle Has Landed
4.5/5 |
| 3 |  | Saxon
Metalhead
The heaviest record the band has every released, and of course one of their absolute best. The 90's were where Saxon really hit their stride and haven't given it up since! Too many good tracks to mention, from the monstrous title track to the sizzling "All Guns Blazing". Metal exemplified
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Best Song: Sea of Life
4.5/5 |
| 2 |  | Saxon
Thunderbolt
22 albums in, and Saxon still show they have so much to give. It is amazing how a band at this age can rock this hard. Amazing lyrics, intense riffs and astonishing vocals from Biff are just the cherry on top of this perfect batch of new tunes.
Best Song: Predator
5/5 |
| 1 |  | Saxon
Unleash the Beast
Simply put, one of the the greatest Metal albums of the 90s, along side "Painkiller" and "Rust in Peace" All killer, no filler. I simply cannot recommend this album enough. Check it out immediately.
Best Song: Thin Red Line
5/5 |
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