To be honest I was hoping 'Saxon' would release a live album after the brilliant 'Killing Ground' and tour, instead they have opted for a disc full of re-recorded classics. What's taken the edge off this album for me, is that the bonus disc from 'Killing Ground' contains 8 out of the 13 tracks on this album, I was hoping that none of those songs would be included, and all 13 would be previously unheard. Also the group history in the accompanying booklet is out of date "Should be ready for 'Wacken' 2001" and "Impending release of 'Heavy Metal Thunder'", this is just sloppy and gives the album a rushed feel. The bonus disc does contain five live tracks however, recorded in 'San Antonio' 2002, but the production and sound of these is pretty average, especially by today's standards. I get the impression that 'Biff Byford' wants to stamp his name on these early classics as there is now another 'Saxon' ('Oliver / Dawson Saxon') touring.

Forgetting the fact that this album is "money for old rope", its exceptional, I don't normally review compilations, but I make an exception for this, as everything is freshly recorded and with a very different lineup. I believe the music is just as raw as the originals and most tracks have a "studio live" feel, and all told are improvements. This is mainly thanks to the crystal clear production and the more aggressive and inventive guitaring. I'm not knocking the axe work on the originals, its just brought up to date and features styles not used way back in the early 80's.

One of my favourite 'Saxon' tracks 'Heavy Metal Thunder' commences this metal fest, a crunching version it is to. Heavier than the original with explosion guitaring and a thumping bass line that makes for a majestic opener. 'Power & the Glory' is a marked improvement over the 83' version, it has a lot more bite with superb soloing and 'Biff' sounding every bit as good as back then. Another classic takes the shape of 'Crusader' a track which sounds worlds better for the crystal clear production. Other crunching tracks include the galloping classic 'Strong Arm of the Law', the chart busting 'And the Bands Played On', the faultlessly executed 'Dallas 1PM' and the chugging genius of 'Wheels of Steel'. Another track leaps and bounds better than the original is 'Princess of the Night', this cut is faster, more intense and benefits from some glorious axe work. '747 (Strangers in the Night)', 'Motorcycle Man' and 'Backs to the Wall' stay pretty close to the originals but the clarity and energy give them the edge. 'Never Surrender' and 'Denim and Leather' are both gutsy and thoroughly enjoyable.

Although the live tracks are a bit disappointing this is made up for by the bonus video track (mpg), it shows 'Saxon' ripping through a crunching rendition of 'Killing Ground', this was recorded at 'Wacken 2001' and blows the other live offerings away, this is what they should be releasing a live album of currently released material.

If you have the 'Killing Ground' bonus disc, you might want to skip this release because you already have over 60% of the music. If you don't and you like 'Saxon's' early stuff, rush on down to your local music store and pick up a copy, as I don't think you will ever hear better studio versions of these song!.