[.ca] Crusader

Saxon's "Crusader" Is Now Remastered With Bonus Tracks!:
Saxon's 1984 release entitled "Crusader" was one of the group's last albums of what was left of their New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) influence. The album also includes the classic lineup of Biff Byford (vocals), Steve Dawson (Bass), Paul Quinn (Guitar), Graham Oliver (Guitar) and Nigel Glockler (Drums). The songs are straight ahead power rockers such as the title track "Crusader", "Just Let Me Rock", "Set Me Free" (a song recorded nine years earlier by glam rockers The Sweet), "Run For Your Lives", "Bad Boys (Like To Rock N' Roll)", and "Rock City". This French Import of "Crusader" includes three bonus tracks, "Chase The Fade", "Krakatoa" and "The Medley Including: Heavy Metal Thunder, Stand Up And Be Counted, Taking Your Chances and Warrior" (recorded live). A nice addition to an already excellent album! The sound quality of this newly remastered edition of "Crusader" is superb with crisp highs, increased midrange, bass and maximized output. If you enjoy listening to Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Def Leppard and Motorhead then this classic Saxon album is a must have. Highly Recommended!

The last album from the classic Saxon era:
After a very weak self titled debut in 1979 , Saxon gradually got better and released very good albums: "Wheels of steel" (1980), "Strong arm of the law" (1980), "Denim and leather" (1981) and "Power and the glory"(1983). All these albums had the raw approach characteristic for New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and should be included in any worthy metal collection. By the time of their sixth release - "Crusader" (1984) you can hear a slight change in the music towards a more radio friendly approach. Of course it's not pop metal or hair metal which is very clear when it comes to songs like "Crusader" and "A little bit of what you fancy", but it's overall more polished than before, and the song "Sailing to America" might be something sub conscious... Anyway, this album is indeed good and it has both rockers and (semi) ballads. After the follow up, and even more polished "Innocence is no excuse" (1985) things started to go downhill for Saxon and the band showed a desperate urge to conquer the American market . All hope seemed lost with the releases of "Rock the nations" (1986) and "Destiny" (1988). Maybe Biff & Co tried to do what their peers in Def Leppard had done (going from an under ground metal band to stardom), but it failed big time. Old fans considered it all a sell out and even 'tho Saxon tried to go back to their traditional direction on albums like "Forever free" (1992) and "Dogs of war" (1995) their reputation was very damaged, something that couldn't be restored even with the excellent "Unleash the beast" from 1997. Anyway, "Crusader" is one of the classic Saxon albums and I don't think you'll be disappointed in this one. Just turn it up and enjoy!

Good early saxon:
Rather than repeat what the other reviewers have stated--which is all basically true--this is a great early Saxon album. The bonus songs on this reissue are good but they detract from the original package overall IMHO. The late 90's and 2000's Saxon albums are superior to this effort but this remains a must have album for fans. NOTE: Be warned that the album originates from a French company--supporters of the war against the terrorists probably should hesitate purchasing this disc.

A LITTLE BIT OF WHAT YOU FANCY, ALWAYS DOES YOU GOOD:
The first SAXON song I heard was DALLAS 1PM (strong arm of the law cd) and was I impressed. I remember grabbing my brothers csette of this and boy was I in ahh. This remamstered version incudes three bonus tracks: CHASE THE FADE, KRAKATOA, and a live medley of HEAVY METAL THUNDER-STAND UP AND BE COUNTED-TAKING YOUR CHANCES-WARRIOR. The remake of SET ME FREE is by the far the best version I have ever heard. The track of DO IT ALL FOR YOU was a surprise to hear from SAXON during 1984 as all I ever thought from these guys were motorcyle rockin' tunes. Although DO IT ALL FOR YOU is a ballad of sorts, it still is a great song. I could never say anything bad about any SAXON cd. THESE GUYS KNOW HOW TO ROCK. These guys are the BAD BOYS and they know how TO ROCK'N'ROLL. If I were you I would buy this cd and buy it NOW, and if you don't, you bettter RUN FOR YOUR LIVES....

• Crusader Prelude
• Crusader
• Little Bit of What You Fancy
• Sailing to America
• Set Me Free
• Just Let Me Rock
• Bad Boys (Like to Rock N' Roll)
• Do It All for You
• Rock City
• Run for Your Lives
• Chase the Fade \o*\c
• Krakatoa \o*\c
• Medley: Heavy Metal Thunder/Stand up and Be Counted/Taking Your ...