The 1980s were a halcyon time for heavy metal as its blueprint was laid down and defined in molten steel. Though their self-titled debut, issued in May ’79, displayed some minor flaws, Saxon did as much as anybody to put the genre onto the map. Revealing many of the reasons why, Decade Of The Eagle is a whopping 34-song, double-disc anthology that pulls together the most essential moments from the band’s first nine albums. Just about all of Saxon’s essential early moments are included, from Wheels Of Steel and 747 (Strangers In The Night) to Heavy Metal Thunder and the clarion call of Denim And Leather. Six albums into their career the group were pilloried for trying to break the United States. Sailing To America vindicates those accusations though its era companion, the masterful Crusader, still sounds magnificent. Despite revealing occasional chinks in their armour towards the compilation’s latter stages, if you want to know why Saxon were heroes to Metallica, Pantera and Mötley Crüe, do yourself a favour and pick this up.
Saxon - Decade Of The Eagle album review
Denim and leather, still bringing us all together
You can trust Louder
Latest
"I went, 'I just don't know if my fans are gonna get it.'" How Slayer legend Kerry King ended up guesting on Sum 41's pop punk anthem What We're All About in one of the most unlikely heavy metal cameos ever
Kyros's Shelby Logan Warne and prog musician Grace Hayhurst take over at London's Sensible Music Studios
"I made it about the sexual cry of love." How The Rolling Stones and a dancer from Hot Gossip inspired one of Billy Idol's greatest hits