SAXON: Dogs of War CD single. Very rare 1995 CD, only 100 pressed for German & Dutch rock radio stations. Netherlands, Holland. Check video

Description

CD-Single Virgin VGP000018 1995
1. Dogs Of War 4:36
2. Hold On 4:31

VGP000018 Single   mint condition
CD-Single 1995

This is now a very very rare CD single as this was a limited CD single released back in 1995 pretty much only to rock radio stations in Germany/Holland and a bit more of mainland Europe, i doubt more then 100 where pressed.

Note: this is also the last recordings with Graham Oliver on guitar. Dogs Of War was an important step in the band’s return to form after some lacklustre late ”80s efforts

Saxons follow up to the 1992 album was awesomely album-arted 1995 offering 1995 album Dogs of War during a time of considerable decline in metal, and a slowing down period in touring and production, for the band. It was also a time of considerable lineup troubles with the band, featuring a different bassist from their earlier work, and being the last album with awesome classic Saxon guitarist Graham Oliver, whose partnered style with Quinn defined much of the early Saxon sound. Here Saxon takes a slight change in direction, as it is somewhat of a departure from the 1992 offering, with different guitar tone, and some slight changes in riffage, while still staying true to their classic, no-bullshit, hard rockin, working class roots.

The Dogs of War featured two decent cuts, from what is essentially another strong album from Saxon. Its a considerably tougher album than Destiny for example, with a heavier guitar mix, and more pounding, in-your-face drums from Nigel Glockner. On Dogs of War Biff delivery is quiet, and soft not hollered and shouted at you, like he does so well in much of their material. Very cool guitar lead section though, which really shines through with the big, modern production job. A different style of guitar is certainly on display in this track marking a change in the Saxon sound, and the chorus has a decent, singalong hook which is pretty enjoyable.

Hold On is a bombastic melodic hard rock style pop song that draws closer to their late 80s slightly glam days. Though the guitars are mixed in pretty heavy, some of the licks, and the utterly simplistic guitar notes (as opposed to chords) during the chorus are very typically AOR (late 80s/early 90s) like stuff Fate, or Autograph would do. Lyrics too. Anyway, the point I want to make about this pop song, is that it rules. The guitar leads are very rockin, almost reminding me of Slashs style with Guns N Roses, while the overall feel of the song is another example of how Saxon can not only write dirty, rebellious speed metallish NWOBHM, but also bombastic, enthralling more poppy commercial stuff that kicks the ass of 90% of the bands who were attempting it as a full-time, and commercial endeavour in the late 80s. Saxon does both well, and more lately, they’ve added a power metal string to their bow. Not their best single, or their best album, but yet again, damn strong, and very catchy.