SAXON– ‘Unplugged and Strung Up’ (CD, 2CD, 2LP)

As hardcore fans are well aware, legendary NWoBHM band SAXON have been planning an acoustic / orchestral set for a while; Biff’s mentioned it to me several times in interviews. And while it never happened at the time, some of these tracks have already been added to the digipak bonus editions of the last album or two – in fact all five of the Sacrifice bonuses are included here.

That aside – Saxon have been on the form of their lives for the last 5-10 years and this is a storming album. Opening with a remixed ‘Stallions Of The Highway’, the immediate effect is a sledgehammer in the face; truly blistering. He orchestral Crusader follows, a classic track given a full blown grandiose effect and it works well.

‘Battle Cry’ is typical of modern Saxon, and Biff’s vocals are on top form. Plenty of guitar interplay and a blistering solo too, while they rhythm section is tribal and thunderous.

The orchestral ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ mixes metal guitars with strings that make it sound fuller and heavier. ‘Red Star Falling’ and ‘Call To Arms’, much more recent tracks, get the same treatment and sound just as good for it. I have to admit I’ve got a particular soft spot for ‘Broken Heroes’, as the first time I ever saw Saxon live was on the Innocence Is No Excuse tour.

Whether acoustic, rerecorded or orchestral, the tracks all sound wonderful, it’s a good mix. And it’s good to see the tracks varied – in both effect and choice, and not just sticking to the classics. Closing track ‘Coming Home’ is acoustic, bluesy and full of slide which is just great to sip a whisky by.

The standard CD features 14 tracks, while a limited edition with a second disc features the ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’ rerecorded hits collection from 2002.

Basically, lovely, a great set and collection. But. Yes, there’s a but. Well, two buts in this case.

Firstly, some of this has surfaced before (all of the second disc, but nice to have it available again), and it would have been good to have this released, as is, when it was first touted.

Secondly, this was a good opportunity to put to CD the iTunes only tracks added to the last album or two.

Minor gripes aside, Saxon are top of their game as these tracks show, and are probably the best British metal about at the moment. 9/10
Joe Gessin.