Saxon – The Solid Book Of Rock – Boxset Review
The complete latter-day Saxon package!
Unleash The Beast (1997)
Source // mantismusic.us
Track Listing: Gothic Dreams / Unleash The Beast / Terminal Velocity / Circle Of Light / The Thin Red Line / Ministry Of Fools / The Preacher / Bloodletter / Cut Out The Disease / Absent Friends / All Hell Breaking Loose
Bonus Tracks: Solid Ball Of Rock [live] / Crusader [live]
1997 saw the arrival of Doug Scarratt who helped reinvigorate the bands guitar attack and yet this album rarely gets a mention in the pantheon of Saxon’s work. But take it from us, Unleash The Beast is an underrated gem that found Biff and the boys uncharacteristically embracing their dark side.
Taking aim at corrupt politicians (check out on the headbanging delight of “Ministry of Fools”), organised religion (“The Preacher”) and the venomous nature of the music business (“Cut Out The Disease”), Unleash The Beast still takes no prisoners!
While the 1990’s may have seen many of our metal heroes taking a downturn and changing their style to remain popular, Saxon continued to do the opposite and they released an unfashionably heavy album that sneered at the rise of nu-metal though gritted teeth and denim and leather. 8/10
You guessed it, more bonus live tracks but “Crusader” still kicks ass in any format!
Ordered mine, and can’t wait for it to arrive. The only disc I already have from the boxset is Inner Sanctum. That album goes to show how great heavy metal music can be overlooked.
You won’t regret it Glen, it’s an outstanding set. Saxon have been ridiculously consistent over the years and this boxset proves how some of the finest metal of the past 2 decades has been overlooked!
Fully agree with this review. An outstanding set from a very very consistent band. ESSENTIAL
Thanks Jimmy, much appreciated! Essential indeed \m/