The first outing for 'New Wave Of British Heavy Metal' leaders 'Saxon' and on this release they don't quite get it right. The production of the album is abysmal and any half decent tracks are spoilt as they sound like they were recorded in a shed.

The intro 'Rainbow Theme' sounds like the 'Scorpions' and leads nicely on to the opener, 'Frozen Rainbow', which is quite a mature sound for early 'Saxon', with thoughtful lyrics, controlled vocals and a quality laid back plod. There's little hope for the pretty awful 'Big Teaser' which is dull and repetitive, with lyrics that are unimaginative and predictable. Better is 'Judgement Day', which after a slow start builds into a strong rocker that showcases some of early 'Saxon's' best guitar work. The highlight of the album is the customary biker track and this one doesn't disappoint, 'Stallions of the Highway' is a fist punching groover, with solid chug and big chorus and played live it sounds a hell of a lot better than this muffled version. 'Backs to the Wall' is a fair number, with its lively approach and solid riffs, but lyrically its a bit of a let down though. The basic 'Still fit to Boogie' is too simplistic for my liking, the guitaring is good but again the production lets the track down. The quirky closer 'Militia Guard', has a strange 60's feels to it but with updated guitars and a military marching feel, too many styles lumped together and far too underdeveloped to be a significant track.

All told hardly a ground breaking debut, but there are some signs of the great things to come, it's just a shame the second-rate production distracts from the albums sharper moments.