After the commercial flavor of 1985′s Innocence Is No Excuse it became easy for a metal fan to drop Saxon off their radar. But the iconic British heavy metal band eventually came back to their senses. They started to write classic, anthemic metal songs again.

Nothing can beat the first four albums from 1979-1981. They are, quite simply, an amazing display of driving heavy rock that captured the spirit of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement back then. But in recent years the band has  recaptured that spark and produced worthwhile albums again.

The latest, Call To Arms, is a fantastic release, with songs such as the aptly titled “Hammer of The Gods” and “Surviving The Odds” that amazingly recreate the power metal sound that influenced so many future metal bands (hint: Metallica). With all the metal bands nowadays trying to be faster, heavier, louder … it is so refreshing to hear. This is where it all began. This is the real thing. It doesn’t need to be extreme. It needs to be just right. And nothing exemplifies that more than a track called “Afterburner” — a thrashy, all systems go affair. One of the best metal songs in years. This is the kind of song, say, Judas Priest’s “Freewheel Burning” should have been, as far as that classic power metal sound is concerned. Brilliant.

There are also powerful anthems that can be compared to the likes of  “Denim and Leather.” “Back in 79′ is almost as catchy, and passionate about its cause. And as an added bonus, the band throws in a bonus disc of a newly-discovered recording of Donington 1980. This sounds as crisp as if you are there, straight from the time machine, in all its glory. You have to love when bands give you extras like this.

Saxon disappoints no longer. Call To Arms is a standout album amongst recent great releases. 4.5 out of 5 stars.