SAXON - Dogs Of War

SAXON
Dogs Of War
SPV Records
7/10





“Dogs Of War” is no means as groundbreaking as the band’s earlier catalog, nor is it as sonically mature as the band’s latest effort “Lionheart”, with this re-release bearing much more in common with bands like Molly Hatchet and AC/DC than much of the group’s output. Somewhat of an experimental venture into hard rock territory for the band, this release was eschewed by many Saxon fans upon its original release in 1995, a time when interest in this sort of music was at an all-time low.

However, with rock sounds being more prevalent than ever in 2006, this revised offering indicates that it may have been a bit of an injustice to write Saxon off in the mid-nineties. Tracks like “Hold On” show wizened songwriting that might be a bit patterned, but is executed with raw talent nonetheless. Vocalist Biff Byford’s talent as a vocalist has often been underrated over the course of his career and he proves here that he can pull off a solid pop metal track just as well as the next guy. Bluesy, Jimmy Page inspired guitar work in sprinkled throughout the record, with a great mix leaving Byford front and center, yet giving the other musicians plenty of room to breathe.

American fans of eighties metal for the most part never really warmed up to Saxon and “Dogs Of War” was clearly an impassioned attempt to appeal to a mainstream rock audience that, in those days, no longer appeared to exist. The group’s return to a more metallic sound proved to be welcome, but this album, featuring very solid tracks like “Don’t Worry” and “Walking Through Tokyo” should satisfy any hard rock lover’s appetite.

Written By: Puss Whiskey