Continuing my way through the Saxon catalog with “Dogs of War”, which was the bands twelfth studio album. It was the last album with guitarist Graham Oliver before he was dismissed from the band. The album again didn’t chart in either the UK or the US but did again find success in Germany and Switzerland. Production was handled by vocalist Biff Byford and Rainer Hansel.
“Dogs of War” – a gritty heavier opener with a an almost Power & Glory era vibe. Lyrically about war and soldiers fighting an enemy with some Julius Caesar references. A nice tone setter for the album.
“Burning Wheels” – uptempo and full of fast riffs and drums that keeps the momentum going. Lyrically the theme is about fast driving and danger.
“Don’t Worry” – a very odd song and it’s almost soulful southern/country rock style chorus is very out of character for Saxon. It seems to be about leaving town or moving away from home to find one’s place in the world.
“Big Twin Rolling(Coming Home)” – this also has some southern rock going on but rocks much harder and fits Saxon much better. A lot of good guitars too. About traveling home to a loved one on the open road on a motorcycle.
“Hold On” – more melodic rock that’s a little out of place on this album and maybe fits the 85-88 era of the band better. Not a bad song but just different for the Saxon of 1995. A love story about a girl Jenny and her falling for Billy and leaving together to start a new life.
“The Great White Buffalo” – Heavier track that pushes the boundaries a little for Saxon. Not just the standard uptempo classic metal song but one with light and shade. About injustices towards the Native American culture and history.
“Demolition Alley” – heavy riff in the classic Saxon style. Lyrically talking about the struggles of the working class.
“Walking Through Tokyo” – slower groove that builds. Not classic Saxon and adding something new to the equation and musically and lyrically very much in the tradition of Japanese culture and history.
“Give It All Away” – another more melodic chorus and catchy enough and really a solid song that kind of grows on you. Lyrics seem to be asking to be able to give up everything to have one more day with their partner.
“Yesterday’s Gone” – a little heavier and darker melody and drum pattern that drives the song along. Really good guitar solos throughout the song too. It seems to tell the story of a relationship gone bad and him always staying with her but has now decided to let her go and move on.
Recap: A schizophrenic album in some ways with about half being the older heavier Saxon style and several songs that wouldn’t be too far out of place in the 85-88 EMI years but just not as good. Some fans adore this album and some seem to hate it but I fall somewhere in the middle and appreciate a handful of songs and can give the band credit for trying some different approaches in the mid 90s when classic metal bands were lost for the most part.
Favorite songs: Dogs of War, Great White Buffalo, Burning Wheels, Yesterday’s Gone, Big Twin Rolling(Coming Home), and Demolition Alley.
Saxon – Dogs of War (1995)
