The second album of the year for 'Saxon' and here they really start to cement themselves as one of the foremost and finest NWOBHM acts. What also makes 'Strong Arm of the Law' so enjoyable is the fact it doesn't sound like 'Wheels of Steel' part II, don't get me wrong this is still classic 'Saxon' in every respect, but there is however less emphasis on biker anthems and perhaps a little more maturity lyrically. Musically this is just as molten as the predecessor, as 'Saxon' rip through eight NWOBHM classics for your listening pleasure.

The onslaught begins with a song that epitomises the genre 'Heavy Metal Thunder', it's fast, energetic, driving and thoroughly satisfying, 'Biff' delivers with plenty of venom, while the guitar solo is sharp and biting- superb opener. Not quite as impressive but still a robust workout is 'To Hell and Back Again', the slightly subdued verses aren't particularly strong, but thankfully the chorus and fret work are real winners. Following in fine form is the title track which rides on a sublime pulsating rhythm, lyrically it's enjoyable while being further enhanced with a fist-raising chorus and more sweet guitar licks along the way. The tempo is lifted even further for the uncompromising rocker 'Taking Your Chances', which ebbs and flows to the backdrop of shredding guitars, and all told is another underrated gem from 'Saxon' and one of many top tracks here. The second half fails to disappoint with the blistering ripper '20,000 Ft', lyrically it's pretty simplistic, but still very effective, the rhythm work is extremely brisk, while 'Biff' fails to disappoint with a powerful display. The rolling riff driven 'Hungry Years' ensues in more laid-back fashion and highlights a strong head-swaying chorus, while the punchy 'Sixth Form Girls' grooves along to some sweet riffs and sharp rhythm and is further braced by some unusual, but I think decent lyrics. 'Strong Arm of the Law' bows out with the classic 'Dallas 1PM', not really a standard sounding 'Saxon' cut, but nevertheless a true classic in every sense, lyrically there's real maturity shown here, while musically it's just bang on and closes the album on a high.

Every bit as good as the predecessor 'Wheels of Steel', despite being a little light with only eight tracks clocking in at 37minutes, but still another NWOBHM gem.