 
British metal legends Saxon who released their
20th studio album ‘Sacrifice’ back
in March have just put out a new collection of
songs titled ‘Unplugged And Strung Up’
and the album see’s Saxon do an alternative
take on some of their most classic songs as the
band have took 14 of their best songs and gave
them a makeover with totally new mixes, arrangements
and there is a big mix of electronic and acoustic
sounding songs.
The album opens with ‘Stallions Of The Highway’
which is from their 1979 debut album and from
the start Saxon come in like they mean business
as they bring the song more to life with bigger
and faster guitars, drums, bass and vocals, the
song is a real pleasure to listen to and maintains
that classic metal vibe that Saxon have been known
for over the years but also manages to bring the
song in to the 21st century with ease.
‘Crusader’ is quite an epic listen
and it totally kicks the arse of the original
version of the song as there is just so much more
going on and runs like an power metal anthem in
the style of Iced Earth, Iron Maiden and Turisas
and as Biff Byford sings out “Crusader crusader
the legend is born” you can just imagine
a knight in armour on a horse getting ready for
a lengthy battle.
Everything about ‘Battle Cry’ is just
bigger, clearer and louder than ever before which
makes the song more accessible than first time
around. Whilst the likes of ‘The Eagle Has
Landed’, ‘Red Star Falling’,
‘Call To Arms’ and ‘Frozen Rainbow
show off a more mature and laid back side of Saxon
and each and every one of these tracks become
a pleasure to listen to as a side of Saxon is
heard that is often not let out as Saxon spend
the majority of their time rocking in a heavy
way rather than letting their emotions out.
Towards the end of the album Saxon turn on the
acoustic charm and it is ‘Requiem’
and ‘Coming Home’ which really stand
out as the band goes down a folksy meets country
rock ‘N’ roll route with Biff Byfords
metal vocals still gracing the airwaves in a strong
way.
Uplugged And Strung up is a good offering from
Saxon it shows that after all these years the
band have not forgot about their classic songs
and they are still as creative as they always
have been as they have managed to rework 14 classic
tracks and make some sound better than the original
and others a good alternative listen.
4/5
Review by Trigger
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