Saxon Album: “Crusader [France Bonus Tracks]”

Upon it's original release in 1984 the "Crusader" album saw the classic Saxon Byford/Quinn/Oliver/Dawson/Glockler line-up starting to go in a different musical direction from their previous NWOBHM albums.

With their songs starting to sound a bit more simplified and radio friendly Saxon undoubtedly shocked and alienated some fans who thought they were starting to wimp out. This was the start of their attempt to gain a larger fan base in the U.S.A., but they had not yet reached the utterly commercial, soul-less piffle of 1988's "Destiny" album.

"Crusader" still retained some degree of the power and gusto of their previous albums, but it was the albums high water mark; the title track "Crusader" with it's knights-in-battle prelude that made (some believe saved) the album. A classic Saxon song, to this day it remains for me (and many other fans) one of my all time favorite Saxon songs. The album is worth buying for this track alone.

As for the rest of the songs on the album, there are no stand outs. Although they do not have the intensity of songs on other Saxon albums, in general they are not bad songs and as such the album is not a bad listen as a whole. The familiar Saxon melody is still there, and it is quite easy to find yourself singing along with it (at least I do anyway!).

This remastered version of the album sounds great. The whole sound is beefed up quite a bit, adding a bit more power to it over all. The bass playing on this album really stands out, and as such it really pumps out now.

The bonus tracks are not bad, but they're nothing special. "Chase The Fade" is an instrumental track originally released as a b-side on the single "Waiting For The Night", from the 1986 album "Rock The Nations". It's ok, but nothing great.

"Krakatoa" was originally released as a b-side on the single "Rock 'N' Roll Gypsy", from the 1985 album "Innocence Is No Excuse". The production of this one sounds very much like "Innocence..." so it's probably one that missed the final cut for the that album. Again nothing special, but not a bad song.

The third bonus track is a medley that goes for just over 9 minutes, comprised of songs from albums released prior to "Crusader". A live recording, it was also originally released as a b-side on the single "Rock 'N' Roll Gypsy". Saxon always sound good live, and as far as medleys go this one is done quite well.

The bonus tracks themselves are nothing other than a welcome addition to the die hard Saxon fan's (like me) collection.

In general, although not one of the best albums of their career, I find "Crusader" is still quite a good listen. Now with three bonus tracks and remastered for extra-pounding sound, I just had to buy it for the fourth time (album, cassette, CD, and now the remastered CD). It is well worth it.

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!

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....

This is Saxon's best CD and this remastered version with bonus tracks brings the sound to a whole new level. So if you're a fan or just looking for some hard hitting 80's arena rock, this CD should be on your must have list.

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.