Fourth album in for 'Saxon' and they continue in the same vein as the last couple of landmark NWOBHM albums. As with the 'Strong Arm of the Law' and 'Wheels of Steel' a couple of 'Saxon' classic anthems are included, but 'Denim and Leather' does lack consistency and unlike its predecessors there is some filler present. This release also marks the last album for original drummer 'Pete Gill' who was forced to put his career on hold following a injury to his hand, although he did return to have a short stint with 'Motörhead' in the mid 80's. Production wise this is crying out for re-mastering and in my view has a weaker sound than the earlier aforementioned albums.

Opening in superb fashion is the glorious rocker 'Princess of the Night' which underlines a magnificent riff and rhythm which drives the song throughout, 'Biff' delivers with gusto, while the sweet guitar soloing rounds the song off perfectly. The quality continues with the pulsating 'Never Surrender', not only is this one of many splendid fist-raising anthems from 'Saxon' but also one of their best and whilst it's pretty simplistic, it's still very effect, with a chorus of pure class, and fret work that also fails to disappoint. A little more pedestrian is the hard rocking of 'Out of Control' a fairly ordinary song that could have come from several of the tamer NWOBHM bands of the time. 'Rough and Ready' follows in a similar fashion ebbing and flowing nicely throughout and further bolstered by a fine Instrumental break, but ultimately still quite removed from the classic 'Saxon' sound. A more typical approach is applied to the simplistic rocker 'Play it Loud' which overlooking the riffs and soloing is a pretty trite and predictable piece of work. The second half thankfully picks up with the catchy crowd pleaser 'And the Bands Played On', yet another of 'Saxon's' classic early anthems, this may be short and sweet but it is effective. Ensuing strongly is 'Midnight Rider' which explores another passion of the band, biker anthems, this isn't necessarily one of their best, but it is still a fine track, sublime instrumental work, punchy lyrics and 'Biff' as always delivering with conviction. The tempo is lifted for the brisker more uncompromising 'Fire in the Sky', which at times strays into 'Motörhead' territory thanks to the fast drum and bass work, lyrically it's a bit clichéd but all in all not a bad listen. The title track 'Denim and Leather' closes proceedings in a solid rhythmical manner and as with 'And the Bands Played On' it's penned for the fans and as such can't go far wrong.

There's a good mix here, but all told not up to the standard set by the previous couple of releases.