Saxon – Into The Labyrinth Vinyl (RSD 2017)

SAXON Into The Labyrinth RSD 2017 PICTURE VINYL - UK limited edition 13-track Picture Disc LP issue of their 2009 album including Live To Rock and Coming Home [Bottleneck Version] housed in the custom-embroidered clear PVC sleeve. AC/DC aren't the only dinosaurs keeping their metal legacy alive - these leathery codgers get dark and threatening in "Slow Lane Blues" and "Protect Yourselves," while another blue-collar beer belch, "Live to Rock," boots open like Van Halen's " Panama." "Demon Sweeney Todd" is a Brits-in-blue-jeans speedball, and the album ends with a thickly grooving bottleneck boogie vamp. There are even a few brief semiclassic interludes to make up for the occasional slog. If not quite up there with Saxon's early '80s power-and-glory peaks, this is still worth an iron-horse ride down a dangerous highway.

1. Batallions of Steel
2. Live to Rock
3. Demon Sweeney Todd
4. The Letter
5. Valley of the Kings
6. Slow Lane Blues
7. Crime of Passion
8. Premonition in D Minor
9. Voice
10. Protect Yourselves
11. Hellcat
12. Come Rock of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)
13. Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)