Unitron "Fighting through the night!"

Wheels of Steel is commonly known as the first of a masterpiece trilogy of albums that include this, Strong Arm of the Law, and Denim and Leather, and not without good reason. While their debut was a decent foot in the door of music recording, Wheels of Steel expands upon the sound of the best songs of the debut. Right from opener Motorcycle Man, it's obvious that the band chose to truly become Stallions of the Highway.

Stand Up and Be Counted (Funnily enough there would be a Krokus song a few years later called Stand and Be Counted, Krokus being a band that reminds me of Saxon a bit), 747-Strangers in the Night, the swaggering title track, the roaring closer Machine Gun, and my personal favorite Street Fighting Gang all display the perfect Saxon sound. It's raucous and raw with tons of kickass attitude yet melodic and majestic as well. Biff Byford in particular is one of metal's finest frontmen, there's great riffs aplenty, but Byford's commanding vocal performance takes everything to even greater heights.

I think the following three albums are my favorites, but Wheels of Steel kicked this legendary band's career into full gear and is a bonafide metal classic.

Warthur Saxon's Wheels of Steel showcases the diversity of the band, from the spine-chillingly tense anthem of 747 (Strangers In the Night) to the fast-paced opener Motorcycle Man (which reminds me of early Budgie, I think because of X's high-pitched vocals) to the title track, which (along with other pieces on here) gives Judas Priest a run for their money in the "metal for Hell's Angels" stakes. Bill Byford in particular proves to be a diverse frontman who is truly skilled at adapting his delivery to the mood a particular composition demands. Quite simply, if you enjoy NWOBHM material at all - especially Judas Priest and the earlier Iron Maiden albums - you owe it to yourself to experience Wheels of Steel.

RuneWalsh2112 I've been a passive Saxon fan for merely a decade with knowledge of classic tunes like "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night" and "747 (Strangers In The Night)". Unfortunately, for myself, it wasn't until recently that I've finally given Saxon a proper chance to show off their chops in the album writing department. "Wheels Of Steel" was my first studio album introduction and it's definitely an album to be reckoned with!

Right off the bat we're treated to great tracks like "Motorcycle Man", "Stand Up And Be Counted" and the aforementioned "747 (Strangers In The Night)". The album does wind down at its halfway point but the great overall quality is pretty much maintained all the way to the end, with a minor exception of "Street Fighting Gang" which unfortunately sounds a bit to straightforward for my taste.

If your unfamiliar with Saxon then "Wheels Of Steel" is definitely a great first album to break the ice. There is a great quality to these compositions that makes this record one of the essential NWoBHM classics that have only grown in admiration over the years. Highly recommended to all metal fans!

***** star songs: Motorcycle Man (4:01) Stand Up And Be Counted (3:10) 747 (Strangers In The Night) (4:58) Machine Gun (5:23)

**** star songs: Wheels Of Steel (5:59) Freeway Mad (2:41) See The Light Shining (4:56) Suzie Hold On (4:34)

*** star songs: Street Fighting Gang (3:13)