SAXON: Albums Ranked (From Worst to Best) - Rank 'Em All

[@krisu101]

Saxon has become one of my favorite bands recently. There's just something about it. My favorite albums are definitely Wheels of Steel, Denim and Leather, Strong Arm of the Law and Power and the Glory.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yes, classic band! Cheers!

[@derekbrown2215]

They are criminally underrated here in the States.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

If you enjoyed the playlist then hit the Like-button 👍 and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE 🔔 if you're new! 🔴 Patreon & Discord: www.patreon.com/user?u=54741783 💲 Donate: streamelements.com/ruthlessmetal/tip 💳 Ruthless Merch: ruthlessmetal.myspreadshop.se/ 🤘 Ruthless Metal Blog: ruthlessmetal.blogspot.com/ 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/groups/176669589198816 🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/JimRuthless 🎵 Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/nla1154q1kamkscnp5z1d79h3?si=K1ujpPh_SLujafZ_WUHFwQ Stay Heavy! 🤘

[@crazyking1896]

Oh man Saxon are one of my favorite bands of all time, they deserve to go big than what they actually got instead, honestly far better than Def Leppard. They're very consistent, even their worse albums aren't that bad, and the newer material is freaking awsome man. Carpe Diem especially is becoming one of my favorite Saxon albums, anyways I'm glad that you made a ranking video about them. BTW, I don't really agree with Crusader being so low, there are more songs than just the title track like Run For Your Lives and Sailing to America which kick ass and are catchy in a good way, just my opinion.

[@independenceltd.]

Crusader is awesome.

[@independenceltd.]

@@handlessuck777 There were no larpers in 1984. And even fewer internets. That's like blaming Dio for "House of the Dragon".

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

the song yes, the album no. :D Cheers!

[@vinyljunkierecordshop1214]

I think an overwhelming majority of Saxon fans will strongly disagree with Ruthless on this one....

[@Wanderer_1877]

Def Leppard is great! A sound, a style immediately recognizable, and if their songwriting succeeds, that it's a solid package. 👍

[@nilshenrikteigen9215]

Been a fan for more than 40 years, and honestly this band just get better and better with age. All their albums has some great tunes on them, but I will infact rank most of their later stuff higher than their early stuff. I also listen to their live albums a lot. I have seen them live numerous times and they are always great. Can't wait for the new tour to get going. 1. Thunderbolt 2. Carpe Diem 3. Battering Ram 4. Sacrifice 5. The Inner Sanctum 6. Wheels Of Steel 7. Lionheart 8. Strong Arm Of The Law 9. Solid Ball of Rock 10. Unleash The Beast 11. Power And The Glory 12. Dogs of War 13. Denim And Leather 14. Forever Free 15. Destiny 16. Innocence Is No Excuse 17. Crusader 18. Call To Arms 19. Metalhead 20. Killing Ground 21. Into the Labyrinth 22. Rock The Nations 23. Saxon

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

damn. :) Cheers!

[@davesdream]

Who has not fall in love with the cover girl on "Innocence is not excuse"?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe. Cheers!

[@independenceltd.]

when I was 14 I thought she was 14. only recently found out that she was 19,20,21...something like that.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@independenceltd.]

@@thomasangelripper hey! hey! hey!...I'm 49.

[@johann_casparbaumgartner6972]

Thanks!!! I was gonna mentioning that in my comment, but just didn't, so glad you did!!! 😀

[@planetbarrett6055]

All Saxon Albums are Great, but here's my Top 10. 10 - Metalhead 9 - Unleashed the Beast 8 - Sacrifice 7 - Saxon 6 - Innocence is no Excuse 5 - Crusader 4 - Strong Arm of the Law 3 - Power and the Glory 2 - Wheels of Steel 1 - Denim and Leather

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@steelerfreak1977]

I’ve loved Unleash the Beast since I first spun it and consider it one of the best metal albums of the mid to late 90s. Great list. Great band.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah It's definitely in the top five of metal albums from the period 95-99

[@SlingshotMustang]

"Never surrender! When you're up against the wall! Never surrender! Stand up! Fight them all!" Possibly the single greatest lyric in heavy metal!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

classic lines right there!

[@niklaseriksson7569]

Great ranking! Been a fan since -81, and seen them a couple of times in Umeå and Skellefteå! 🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Ah, I saw them in Skellefteå too. :D

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

Back in the early 1990s I was at Goodwill and found the first six Saxon albums on cassette tape and of course I bought them all for about a quarter a piece I think.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Godo times. Cheers!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah things are too expensive these days. Cheers!

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

@@thomasangelripper my best find at a thrift store was the Metallica Whiplash e.p. on vinyl. Still have it.

[@selfdiscardedkingofruin7291]

@@thomasangelripper oh damn! Great find though. I no longer have an 8-track player but bought many 8 tracks at thrift stores like zeppelin, kiss, sabbath, monkees, pink Floyd etc....

[@steinarskaaland1570]

1. Denim and leather 2. Power and the glory 3. Carpe diem 4. Wheels of steel 5. Strong arm of the law 6. Unleash the beast 7. Thunderbolt 8. Solid ball of rock 9. Battering ram 10. Call to arms

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@mar85cos]

Yessss!!! I had been waiting for this Rank' em All video!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Glad you liked it. :) Cheers!

[@benj6927]

the 1st saxon album seems like just massive nazareth worship. I fucking love it.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe Cheers!

[@independenceltd.]

10. Dogs of War 9. Call to Arms 8. Into the Labyrinth 7. Thunderbolt 6. Sacrifice 5. Power & the Glory 4. Crusader 3. Denim and Leather 2. Wheels of Steel 1. Strong Arm of the Law

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good stuff! Cheers!

[@neugey]

Glad to see Lionheart ranked high. That is my personal favorite. I actually prefer the post Unleash the Beast Saxon to any of their early 80's classics.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yes, a modern classic! Cheers!

[@joeys3429]

I’m with you Mike, the more recent stuff is my favorite as well!

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

I agree as well! I like the "more recent" material best. For me, "Solid Ball of Rock" (1991) is the most underrated album in their catalog, coming on the heels of my two least favorites in the catalog ("Rock the Nations" and "Destiny"). But I enjoy all of their albums to some degree. It's nearly impossible for me to pick a single favorite album, so I'd have to go with a 3-way tie among "Metalhead", "Lionheart", and "Thunderbolt". Absolutely cannot wait for album number 24 in just two days!

[@xhannesx8881]

What I play so many Saxon songs today on electric guitar and then you load up this video. Good

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Nice, play some for me! ;) cheers!

[@None_More_Metal]

Saxon are one of my all time favorites, and while I'd switch a couple around, all in all it's a very solid ranking video! 🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss. yeah such a classic and amazing band! Cheers! 🤘

[@pudd66]

For rankings, Denim & Leather, Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm are interchangeable for top 3, while Power & Glory is deserving of that 4th spot. I'm probably alone here, but Innocence Is No Excuse has always been one of my faves for some reason, so that's how I would close out my top 5. Thanks for the great job, and the effort you put in!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah. so many great albums, thank you! Cheers!

[@enragedkaiser237]

Saxon is fantastic. 747 (Strangers in the Night) has the best opening ever

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good stuff! Cheers!

[@kurtemeigh]

Might be their best song.

[@brenobutcher]

The Saxon discography is remakably stable, even the albums like Rock the Nations have cool songs like Battle Cry!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, I think there is something worth checking out on every Saxon album. :) Not many 15+ albums bands can say the same. Cheers!

[@visionsofbeyond9095]

I really enjoy these Rank 'Em All videos, have you ever thought about doing one for Running Wild? They're one of my absolute favorite bands of all time and I would really love to see their discography get the Rank 'Em All treatment.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

I have thought about it, it's not in the plans for now but we might get there some time soon. :) Cheers!

[@jermaineguillory2694]

Saxon are one of the legends that came out of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. My favorites are Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, Denim and Leather, Power and The Glory and Crusader 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

classics! Cheers!

[@dreamtheater7368]

19th place, dogs of war.... I absolutely love this album. It's awesome from beginning to end. It's much higher to me.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

it's fine, nothing that I listen to regularly. Cheers!

[@oldschoolrockmetal1631]

Rock the Nations? When I saw that was the worst album on your list I immediately went and listened to it again. It's actually one of my favorites LOL probably 6 or 7 if I were to make a list. I thought it was so cool at the time it came out that Elton John actually played a couple of songs with them.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe. yeah. but Saxon don't have stinkers like Metallica or Megadeth had. Rock The Nations has 2-3 solid songs on it but yeah I find it rather weak. :) Cheers!

[@patramirez5264]

I enjoy your rankings and trust your opinion.personally i would love to own every album by Saxon.a bad Saxon album is probably better than most bands good ones.they have put out so many that not every one is going to be a masterpiece.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@paravan2000]

"Unleash The Beast" actually had a very big impact on the scene when it came out. 1997 was really a hallmark year where resugence of old school metal started. Lots of things were going on in that year, most importantly - Judas Priest comeback with "Jugulator", Bruce Dickinson return to heavy metal style with "Accident on Birth" and a massive boom with HammerFall debut. Then, there were also comebacks of Venom, Jag Panzer, Exciter, Razor etc. Riot had a very good album. Savatage, Sodom and Overkill had decent albums. Stratovarius was getting bigger with "Visions", also Iced Earth with "Days Of Purgatory". Gamma Ray released "Somewhere Out In Space". Lots of new power metal bands debuted that year, like Iron Savior, Primal Fear, Children Of Bodom, Nightwish etc. "Unleash The Beast" was easily the best of the bunch. I remember there was a lot of praise for that album going on in underground at the time. It was kind of a key release that started whole trend of power and melodic heavy metal that became a huge thing in the next 5-6 years, like a bridge between old and new school of traditional heavy metal.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, metal made acomeback in the late 90's but I don't think I heard the album upon release. yeah, Ozzy, Bruce and Rob Halford all returned to their bands.

[@lamentate07]

You are right about the period, but I don't recall Unleash The Beast having much impact at that time. The audience was more focused on what was happening in mainland Europe.

[@thalesvasconcellos2086]

We follow the warrior king!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Who? ;) Cheers!

[@thalesvasconcellos2086]

@@RuthlessMetalYT The Crusader, of course! Great video, by the way. STAY HEAVY, man!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe, thanks boss! Cheers!

[@neoncat63]

Very good ranking. I have the same Top 4 as you. I really love some of the more commercial sounding songs though. Waiting for the Night for example is one of my favorites. Saxon overall are like my 2nd favorite band or so. I would love to see a Praying Mantis rank em all in the future. Keep rockin!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thank you Sir. :) Cheers!

[@petetobey3933]

Huge Saxon fan... I lean more to the latter-day Saxon, I love the heaviness of those albums, great consistency throughout, great production, but I also love their early '80s output. So here goes, my favorites, top to bottom... Not much separates my top 11, but it's a solid top 11 for me... so many great tracks on all of these albums: 1. Sacrifice (2013) -- careening heavy metal, start to finish, riffs everywhere. Love it to death. 2. Thunderbolt (2018) -- skull-crushing title track, and it never lets up after that. I don't really like "Nosferatu" or "Predator," but this is the most muscular metal Saxon has produced. Love the tribute to Motorhead "They Played Rock and Roll." 3. Denim and Leather (1981) -- absolute classic of NWOBHM, glorious riff-laden heavy rock, loaded with classics. Enough said. 4. Lionheart (2004) -- a masterpiece from start to finish, love the Maiden-esque history vibe of the title track, "English Man O' War," "To Live By the Sword," etc. 5. The Inner Sanctum (2007) -- just as good as Lionheart, with a darker edge. Absolutely love "State of Grace," "If I Was You," etc. 6. Carpe Diem (2022) -- Saxon sounds as good now as they ever have, another riff-heavy masterpiece. How is Biff Byford 71? 7. Wheels of Steel (1980) -- Saxon's sophomore album is just a ferocious slab of vinyl, four bonafide classics they still play in concert 40 years later. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" is one of my all-time favorites. 8. Battering Ram (2015) -- pulverizing opening title track and another relentless beast of an album, terrific guitar work, and I love "Kingdom of the Cross." 9. Strong Arm of the Law (1980) -- classics galore on the middle of Saxon's trifecta of early '80s masterworks. 10. Call To Arms (2011) -- maybe not as heavy as the albums to follow, but damned if I can think of a song that I skip on this one. 11. Metalhead (1999) -- some grinding, almost nu-metal tones on this, but it's mostly solid, love "Conquistador," "What Goes Around," and especially "Sea of Life." The next group is pretty interchangeable, but there are at least a couple songs I really love on every one of these: 12. Killing Ground (2001) -- Saxon really getting into their second wind, some really good tracks here. 13. Power & The Glory (1983) -- the tail end of their early '80s heyday, still some great tracks, like "The Eagle Has Landed." 14. Forever Free (1992) -- I actually quite like this album, especially after Saxon's misstep into '80s commercial rock. 15. Crusader (1984) -- the title track is an all-time classic, but this is a very inconsistent album. 16. Dogs of War (1995) -- the title track just plows you over and leads into "Burning Wheels," and I love "The Great White Buffalo," but again, very inconsistent album. 17. Unleash the Beast (1997) -- a little too screechy/thrashy for me with the metal on this album, but there's some great guitar solos on this one. 18. Into The Labyrinth (2009) -- least consistent of their post-2000 output, but there's still some great tracks, like "Battalions of Steel" and "Valley of the Kings." 19. Solid Ball of Rock (1991) -- a welcome relief after the '80s, it's a good but not great album. The title track is fun. And throw a blanket over the bottom bunch, they're the weakest to my ears: 20-23. Saxon (1979 debut album), Innocence is No Excuse (1985), Rock the Nations (1986), Destiny (1988) -- debut sounds like very generic '70s hard rock, and the mid-late '80s stuff did not age well. Cliche after cliche. Four words: Synths and power ballads. Yuck.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

a solid rank there! :)

[@IraSiegel]

Agree with Denim and Leather #1. Their last five or so are stellar and love they’re still releasing quality material. 🏍

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@colallison6152]

Cool ranking!. Enjoyed that. Gotta admit I love Destiny. Those early albums are all superb though 👍

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss! Cheers!

[@matthewelias4868]

Saxon are legendary I love them

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@Jayagebee]

Glad to see Sacrifice so high up on your ranking. That one and Unleash the Beast may be my two favs among their many great albums.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah it's a modern classic. Cheers!

[@Isacjacobmaleh]

To The Power and the Glory... We'll meet tonight!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hell yeah! Cheers!

[@marctommolino774]

Great ranking, love the in depth analysis on each album ….you didn’t just breathe by all the albums …I’d love for you to do a ranking for grave digger!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

thanks man. I try to do my research, that's why it takes forever for me to get these ranks out. hehe Cheers!

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Nice ranking..! Saxon was a great band. Sorry to say i lost them after Stewe Dawson was out. I wish the old gang can do a reunion...🤘😁

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers

[@stefanblomberg3680]

Grymt jobb du gör med alla dessa listor. Tycker de är riktigt bra och håller nästan alltid med om ordningen (förutom när jag inte har hört skivorna). Men här tycker jag ändå att Inmocent borde hamnat betydligt högre☺️. Men ja, smaken är ju delad och för mig handlar det nog mycket om minnen. Började lyssna på Saxon något år efter att Denim & Leather släpptes och min första konsert var Crusader på Hovet så de var viktiga under mina tidiga tonår☺️. Nåväl, ville egentligen mest bara tacka för en grym kanal!

[@stefanblomberg3680]

Svarar my själv här efter att ha sett hela videon. Inser att jag har massor av bra Saxon att upptäcka! Släppte dem mer eller mindre efter Rock the Nation☺️

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

ja så kan det vara, det är rätt svårt att ranka så att man är helt nöjd själv. Tack och bock!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

dags att återupptäcka dem då. Lionheart eller Unleash the Beast kanske kan vara nått eller Sacrifice kanske. :)

[@antoniorodrigues4900]

I've listened to all of their albums and I agree with you that there is no bad albums, they range from decent to great. It is difficult to rank all of them, so I'm just gonna put my top 5 1 Denim and leather 2 Wheels of Steel 3 Inner Sanctum 4 Strong arm of the law 5 Sacrifice

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@FutebolNaMente]

Nice list, I was waiting for this one, 🤘🏻🇧🇷

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss Cheers!

[@frizonsaxon]

Thanks for ranking Saxon albuns, it is my favorite band! My top five is: Denim and Leather Strong arm of the Law Wheels of Steel Power and the Glory Lionheart Geetings from Brazil

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

all great albums! thanks and Cheers!

[@kenfrederick6223]

Good video. I would rank them a bit differently, but this is a fair overview. I do think that Saxon and Overkill are the most consistently solid bands in metal.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

for sure. Cheers!

[@atranfanatic]

Great ranking video man! I can't really pick a favorite of Saxon, but they are a great and consistent band! How about ranking the band Raven?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah maybe, we'll see. these long-ass rankings take forever to compile. haha

[@atranfanatic]

@@RuthlessMetalYT I hear you there man. lol Keep up the good metal work! \,,/

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

I'll try. :) Cheers!

[@angeldust5795]

Denim And Leather was first song i heard. It was in primary. My fav album Saxon - Power & The Glory

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good times. :D

[@raymondjames1341]

Saxon is one of those bands which has completely passed me by. I have seen them live many years ago during their inner sanctum tour. I have downloaded a couple of songs from that album, let me feel your power and going no where fast.

[@independenceltd.]

not even sure those songs would make their top 100.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

good songs. Cheers!

[@justinkantner7162]

Great list, your videos are great, length is not a problem. On that note maybe rank Rage albums in the future?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

I'm not super familiar with post 80's Rage. Which is the problem with most bands for me. :D

[@justinkantner7162]

Fair enough, none the less keep posting em, I’ll keep watching em 👍🏻

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks man! Cheers!

[@thedddemon]

Been looking forward to this one. Awesome!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss! Cheers!

[@wallofrock6725]

Awesome list! My top 10 favourites: 1. Denim And Leather 2. Strong Arm Of The Law 3. Wheels Of Steel 4. The Inner Sanctum 5. Carpe Diem 6. Thunderbolt 7. Lionheart 8. Battering Ram 9. Forever Free 10. Solid Ball Of Rock Most overrated album: Power And The Glory Most underrated album: Solid Ball Of Rock Least favourite: Destiny Best cover art: Crusader I think Crusader fails simply because the music doesn’t live up to the masterpiece artwork.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss, the same! Cheers!

[@festero31]

Power and the glory is a masterpiece i dont think it was overrated my friend.

[@javierbaronrodriguezgomez2826]

My Top 10 Lionheart The Inner Sanctum Innocence is No Excuse Wheels of Steel Dogs of War Power & Glory Carpe Diem Battering Ram Thunderbolt Crusader

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

solid as a rock! Cheers!

[@nikisims262]

Saxon is great can't wait for there new album for 2024

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@exploringwithmatthew1629]

Nice to see a video on the great SAXON! They helped me get into metal in my early years. Denim and Leather rules

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yes, don't get much more classic than Saxon. Cheers!

[@Anderson_Araujo666]

1 - Strong Arm of the Law 2 - Wheels of Steel 3 - Denim and Leather 4 - Power & the Glory 5 - Saxon 6 - Innocence Is No Excuse

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@WICD1969]

I agree that Crusader is a great title track on an otherwise weak album. Considering that IMO 1984 was the best year for eighties metal releases it was a real dud. The type of item you’d borrow from a friend just to record the first track along with the prelude.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

hehe, exactly. Cheers!

[@gandalfthewhite623]

I love Saxon , maybe they are not the heaviest and fastest band but for me is one of the "truest". My all time favourite album of Saxon is Wheels Of Steel. I love all the songs from this album , motorcycle man , 747 , Suize Hold On… great songs!!! and I have a very special place in my heart for the song “Stand Up And Be Counted” because the fans of my favourite football team chanting the main riff and the chorus to support our team even more 😄🤘🏻

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@nebojsajovic790]

thanks for ranking saxon bro!👊🤘🤘🎸

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks Saxon bro! ;) Cheers!

[@thedeschannel3169]

Agreed with denim and leather being number one! Although there's definitely some albums I'll have to listen to.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah it takes like 24 hours to even listen through their full-length albums. haha

[@inmyhouse11]

Great job ranking this incredible catalog.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss! Cheers!

[@205WILD]

Very good review! Saxon is my favorite band! I agree with pretty much everything! Denim and Leather is one of those rare albums that every track is A+. So yes it had to be number 1! Cheers!!!! ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY SAXON!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks boss! Cheers!

[@Hotgarbage100]

Saxon is my favorite band of all time. I don't fully agree with your list, but it's pretty damn good I'll admit. Thanks for doing this!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thank you Sir! :)

[@zevongrie1402]

Another good list as always. Strong Arm is my favorite but really can’t argue Denim as best. If you haven’t heard it, check out their version of Crusader off of Heavy Metal Thunder from 2002. Personally, I like it a lot better than the version from the original album. Cheers!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

thanks boss. Cheers!

[@hockeyeverything4339]

Daunting task. I commend you for doing it. I was almost certain a Gravedigger episode was coming. Great job. I dont love Saxons discography, but I know they are important to the genre. Sacrifice was a really solid album

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, it takes weeks to do these long-ass videos. :) Coroner next up. ;) Cheers!

[@hockeyeverything4339]

@@RuthlessMetalYT Looooove Coroner.

[@johann_casparbaumgartner6972]

Ha, while watching your video I was always thinking (I swear...) even in the beginning: "He will have the holy trinity on 3-2-1" and so it exactly came! 😅😀 Couple years back if I remember correctly they did a tour by mentioning that thing with these 3 albums. Maybe one of you can confirm that, there was a show with that three album covers about 8 years back or so. Since you asked, well I would put "Innocence is no excuse" and "Crusader" both much higher, but as we know all depends on what you were experiencing at that time. For example the song "Sailing to America" is one of my favorite SAXON songs. Not only because 1984 I was in (North)America first time in my life but its (for me!) a very touching song and of course always reminds me on my great time in America. Same goes for the 1985 album, while being in the army, the song "Broken heroes" came out, (also "In the army now" by Status Quo...) remember listening to that while having a not so good time and trying to escape with the music, so very sure lots of other things blend in each of our personal lists.... /// I could imagine how "hard" it is to find the "worst" in that ranking list.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, it's kinda hard to compare the more recent albums with the ones you've listened to your whole life. Cheers!

[@Mitchery]

I love everything released by the band before the year 1985.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

nice

[@scottwhite2757]

Excellent !! SAXON 2022 !!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@andrelpy]

All Saxon albuns are great in a way

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yes! Cheers!

[@zandig666]

Yessir I like every saxon album !!!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

@@zandig666 cheerios

[@HEADBANGEREN]

Great ranking!!! I almost totally agree. Except I would swap wheels of steel with Strong Arm!!!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah, hard to pick amongst the classics. Cheers!

[@tomaszwesoowskifromlechist6222]

Saxon never make me satisfited because before I listen more Irons or Venom but now you give me lesson to do.. Like always you make my morning busy.. Keep fresh and still stay on the track to perfect..

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

It's time then! ;) Cheers!

[@cdrevival]

Denim and leather definitely number 1 for me

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@dantelombardi]

🤘Saxon Fabulous gem of NWOBHM🤘Awesome legacy of Saxon in Rank em all🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@DevilLobster]

23. Innocence Is No Excuse 22. Rock the Nations 21. Saxon 20. Strong Arm of the Law 19. Forever Free 18. Wheels of Steel 17. Metalhead 16. Crusader 15. Solid Ball of Rock 14. Power & Glory 13. Dogs of War 12. Denim and Leather 11. Into the Labyrinth 10. The Inner Sanctum 9. Killing Ground 8. Call to Arms 7. Destiny 6. Unleash the Beast 5. Carpe Diem 4. Thunderbolt 3. Lionheart 2. Sacrifice 1. Battering Ram

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@terryleeslaughter4611]

Strong Arm Of The Law is my favorite Saxon album

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

nice, cheers

[@DanPellegrino486]

I've been listening to Saxon since I was a kid. I agreed with 90% of your list. Saxon is at their best when they up the tempo and get aggressive. Great work, loved the video. I can't say a spend much time with anything Crusader until Unleash the Beast though. I also find the production on Metalhead to be the really fatiguing thing about it. Enter the Labyrinth suffers from a lack of dynamic range as well when those big choruses kick in. Makes it hard for me to listen to.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, everyone has grown up with some Saxon I think. :D Cheers! 🤘

[@sirdarklust]

I was never a big Saxon fan (nor were my friends). They did have a few songs that I think were great (most notably 747 (Strangers in the Night) and And The Bands Played On), however, I can't say I really ever liked any full album. If I have to choose their best albums, I'd have to agree with your top four choices. That was their classic period, really. Take it easy.

[@sirdarklust]

@@thomasangelripper For me there just wasn't anything that stood out. They mostly seemed like an average NWOBHM band.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

maybe to some degree. but damn they have been consistent over time.

[@CysmaWinheim]

I would put these in a different order, but even the "worst" Saxon albums are much better than a lot of other bands' best albums if you ask me.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers 🤘

[@kurtemeigh]

Yea the few albums in the mid to late 80’s being in the more mainstream area is probably why they are not as popular as Maiden. But Saxon is so special since they made their return to form in the 90’s. Pretty much the only 80’s metal band who can claim that they not only survived the 90’s but returned to their former glory. Special shout out to the album Heavy Metal Thunder. Re-recordings of much of their early songs.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers! 🤘🏻

[@matsnilson7727]

I can't deny there's a lot of nostalgia involved, but my favorite Saxon album is Strong Arm of the Law. I totally agree that their modern albums are strong and well produced (too modern sounding for my taste, but I realize people today want it like that) but I would just love to hear Saxon - and other classic metal bands - going back to a more "dated" production sound, far away from the (in my opinion) slick, lifeless and overly perfect style that dominates today. I know it'll most likely never happen, but hey... a boy can dream... I also have a nostalgic soft spot for Crusader, but I haven't listened to it in a loooong time (apart from hearing the monstrous title track now and again) and I'm not sure I've actually listened to the album as a whole with un-biased ears as an adult. I'm pretty sure I still like the total cheese of "Do It All for You" though... 😅

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah, most people that actually are into metal seems to prefer the 80's way of producing albums. So I hope we get back to a more analogue sound over time. I'm not so sure that you will enjoy 'Do it all for you'. haha Cheers!

[@BrandNewMorning]

Amazing list. I see I have a lot more listening to do.. But that's a good thing. I admit I don't know enough of their music yet but I will be working on that. And the nice thing is there's 23 albums to go through. I would say my favorite tracks from them so far I'm so far is the Power and the Glory and Crusader as well as Rainbow Theme and Frozen Rainbow.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

It's never too late. :) Cheers!

[@johnkeating34]

Glad to see sacrifice so high on list. First seen Saxon in 83 with iron maiden and fast way didn’t see it again til 2013 and were awesome both times

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cool I wish I had seen them back in 83. :D Cheers!

[@Vreidicus]

Denim & Leather is easily my favorite Saxon album of all time.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

classic Cheers!

[@fjuczer667]

1. Strong Arm of the Law 2. Wheels of Steel 3. Denim and Leather 4. Power & the Glory 5. Lionheart 6. Unleash the Beast 7. The Inner Sanctum 8. Sacrifice 9. Battering Ram 10. Thunderbolt 11. Saxon 12. Forever Free 13. Carpe Diem 14. Call to Arms 15. Metalhead 16. Into the Labyrinth 17. Dogs of War 18. Solid Ball of Rock 19. Killing Ground 20. Destiny 21. Innocence Is No Excuse 22. Crusader 23. Rock the Nations

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@sunintheroom]

.."big teaser" (1978 demo) with saxon wich one can listen to here on youtube is quite nice.. :)

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers

[@aceylan292]

Great ranking! But I personally like some some songs from Dogs of War and Forever Free. But anyway you can always count on Saxon. I wish that you do a Scorpions ranking

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

That's true. I doubt I will, they are quite boring from the 80s and forward. ;)

[@aceylan292]

Well I don't agree on that, I am a big Scorpions fan 🙂

[@aneinthedark5008]

Absolute legend. Agree with everything you've said here, so, what are your thoughts on their newest release? Cheers man 🙂🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

haven't listened that much to it yet. too many bands, too little time. :)

[@ronniedio19422010]

I prefer Saxon's earlier albums but they have, naturally, improved hugely as musicians over the years. For anyone who thinks the same (and doesn't already know about it), I would recommend their 2002 album Heavy Metal Thunder, which is a compilation of 13 re-recorded tracks from their 1979-1984 albums which, IMO, are all as good as or better than the originals! It also comes with one of two bonus live CDs, depending on whether you get the 2002 or the 2015/17 release. \m/

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers

[@_Henrique66]

At the end of this video, I'll listen to the full discography

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

do it, it will just take a day or two. ;) Cheers!

[@_Henrique66]

@@RuthlessMetalYT this is true

[@khelatar]

Agree with a whole lot on the list (I would've put Strong Arm at #1, though) - especially that Sacrifice is their best one in the last decade. Amazing album. I do rank Destiny below Rock the Nations - and Saxon themselves seem to do the same - but as you say even that one does have a few strong tracks on it. Kudos for pointing out that Crusader is a meh album with a killer title track; it gets some silly amounts of love just for that opener.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thank you Sir! cheers!

[@TheDidums]

i can't understant the crusader position!!!!! the rest of ranking is all right for me... may be i put Sacrifice on a top 3. hey, im 53, not discovering saxon on s. XXI! GREAT VIDEO!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Thanks, I love the song Crusader but the album is pretty shitty tbh. :D

[@PESSimulations]

This is my ranking with a recommended song for each album: ➤01 - Wheels of Steel (1980) - 747 (Strangers in the Night) 🔹90%🔹 ➤02 - Denim and Leather (1981) - Princess of the Night 🔹87%🔹 ➤03 - Strong Arm of the Law (1980) - Heavy Metal Thunder 🔹86%🔹 ➤04 - Lionheart (2004) - Lionheart 🔹85%🔹 ➤05 - Metalhead (1999) - Conquistador 🔹84%🔹 ➤06 - Hell, Fire and Damnation (2024) - Hell, Fire and Damnation 🔹84%🔹 ➤07 - Unleash the Beast (1997) - The Thin Red Line 🔹83%🔹 ➤08 - Call to Arms (2011) - Hammer of the Gods 🔹83%🔹 ➤09 - Sacrifice (2013) - Sacrifice 🔹82%🔹 ➤10 - Power and the Glory (1983) - Power and the Glory 🔹81%🔹 ➤11 - Carpe Diem (2022) - Remember the Fallen 🔹81%🔹 ➤12 - Innocence Is No Excuse (1985) - Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy 🔹80%🔹 ➤13 - Battering Ram (2015) - Battering Ram 🔹80%🔹 ➤14 - The Inner Sanctum (2007) - State of Grace 🔹79%🔹 ➤15 - Thunderbolt (2018) - Thunderbolt 🔹79%🔹 ➤16 - Solid Ball of Rock (1990) - Requiem (We Will Remember) 🔹78%🔹 ➤17 - Into the Labyrinth (2009) - Batallions of Steel 🔹77%🔹 ➤18 - Forever Free (1992) - Forever Free 🔹76%🔹 ➤19 - Dogs of War (1995) - Hold On 🔹74%🔹 ➤20 - Killing Ground (2001) - Killing Ground 🔹73%🔹 ➤21 - Destiny (1988) - I Can't Wait Anymore 🔹67%🔹 ➤22 - Crusader (1984) - Crusader 🔹63%🔹 ➤23 - Saxon (1979) - Big Teaser 🔹61%🔹 ➤24 - Rock the Nations (1986) - Rock the Nations 🔹54%🔹

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cheers

[@metalhead7319]

You should rank Stormwitch that band is amazing!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Would be cool even if I'm somewhat familiar with the last half of their disco. Cheers!

[@TheNothing6]

I'm not going to Rank "Em All. I'll give my top 3. 1. Wheels Of Steel 2. Denim And Leather 3. Power And Glory

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

classics! Cheers!

[@vinyljunkierecordshop1214]

I'm shocked "Crusader" is so low on your list, and that you seem do disdainful of it. I think the songs are still heavy, even though there is a bit of commercial flavoring. "Sailing to America", "Just Let Me Rock", "A Little Bit of What You Fancy", "Bad Boys", "Rock City" and of course "Crusader" are all bona fide headbangers. As far as 80s metal ballads go, "Doing it All For You" is far from unlistenable. This is one of my all time favorite albums from any band.

[@arturoalmazan5262]

the dude liked crappy albums like destiny more lol. Crusader is awesome

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Destiny is better than Crusader as a whole. Remove the song Crusader and the album Crusader sounds like Def Leppard at their worst.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

It was pop garbage a la Def Leppard. :)

[@franciscojavierzarcosalgue845]

Sure, ranking Crusader in the lower side of the list is something unbelievable to me,

[@vinyljunkierecordshop1214]

@@RuthlessMetalYT Yet you blast the album that covers a song from a highly influential band like Sweet, and elevate the album that covers a total Christopher Cross pop tune? Look man, I'm as metal as they get, and my ears hear the change from the more bruising (albeit total AC/CD worshipping ) Wheels of Steel compared to Sailing to America, but to say the songs are no good is way off point. But like I said.... it"s your opinion. I just strongly disagree.

[@doishooligan]

Good list. Since I don't dislike glam metal/AOR stuff, I would rank Crusader/Innocence/Rock the Nations/Destiny a little higher. Their newest albums feel a little "samey" to me, which is why I would rank them lower. But they aren't bad, just meh, IMO. Don't know if you like Motorhead, but maybe and album ranking from them next?

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah Motorhead is a band that I should rank the thing is that there is so many albums and I want to give my fair assessment of them which takes a lot of time since I've only cared for the first handful of albums. Cheers!

[@glennwarlock1555]

1.Crusader 2.Power & the Glory 3. Strong Arm of the Law 4. Unleashed the Beast 5. Lionheart 6. Dogs of War 7. Solid Ball of Rock 8. Into the Labyrinth 9. Sacrifice 10. Call to Arms 11. The Inner Sanctum 12. Killing Ground 13. Metalhead 14. Saxon 15. Innocence Is No Excuse 16. Rock the Nations 17. Forever Free 18. Destiny 19. Denim and Leather 20. Wheels of Steel Yes,I usually dislike popular or biggest selling albums the least- and with Saxon that's the extreme here, in the 80s I hated those historic albums I ranked last. Loved Saxon way more from 1997 onwards,though I haven't heard the last several albums.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Oh no, Crusader? :O Cheers!

[@olo4.20]

Crusader 👍. Strong✌️. Rock The Nation🤘

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@ivanocodina_Misteri]

Innocence is no excuse in the best album for me

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

cjeers

[@marcop1587]

Dear God I've always skipped on them for some reason...and then I saw them live saturday 🤯 I guess I'm a fan now? They kicked some major ass I can only imagine what it must have been like to see them in their prime. Long live fucking SAXON! 💪🏻 And thanks for the ranking, I'm gonna have to catch on some albums now 😂

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yeah Saxon is a legendary band and so consistent. :)

[@rogeranderson1744]

Am shocked at position for crusader 🤘🏻😀🤣

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

The album is shit honestly. :) love the intro and the song crusader but the rest is like Def Leppard at their worst. :D Cheers!

[@twikirobot6897]

1. Power & the Glory

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Cheers!

[@carlosabad6596]

Saxon is one of the best bands ever in metal. My top 15: 1- Strong Arm of the Law 2- Power & the Glory 3 - Unleash the Beast 4 - Wheels of Steel 5 - Solid Ball of Rock 6 - Denim & Leather 7 - Killing Ground 8 - Crusader 9 - Lionheart 10 - The Inner Sanctum 11 - Rock the Nations 12 - Sacrifice 13 - Dogs of War 14 - Innocense is no Excuse 15 - Metalhead Destiny would be in last place for me. Into the Laberynth is unfocused as you said. It's a strange album, there is something weird on it. A call to Arms is ok, way better than Into the Laberynth. Battering Ram would be 16th on my list. Forever Free failed to impress. Last two still missing in my collection. First album is so - so. Come on ! Rock the Nations it's not so bad. I love it , RTN was one of my first Saxon albums I bought by them.

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Solid! Cheers!

[@hazegazer4610]

Hard to rank if a band doesn't have stinkers. Great video as usual!

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

yeah ask me to re-do the video today I would probably move a few records up and down. :D Cheers!

[@arturoalmazan5262]

Saxon ranking finally 🤘. My list from worst to best is Destiny being at the very last , Innocence is no excuse awful pop metal , Rock the nation's not quite metal , Lion heart was ok not great, metal head is heavy as fuck; I pick the best; power and the glory is one of their 80s best ; Crusader is just good i don't know why the hate it gets . next their debut Saxon self titled its basically a hard rock album not metal yet. next inner sanctum it sounded too late 90s nu metal kinda sound. Labyrinth is great too . I liked it. Unleash the beast to me is their Painkiller in my opinion. heavy as hell. Sacrifice is ok . dogs of war too alternative for me . solid ball of rock is lame . The best for me Thunderbolt. Battering Ram , Their latest carpe diem is incredible soild heavy metal 🤘 . wheels of steel is classic; 2 strong arm of the law . Dallas 1 pm is my favorite track of that album and next my favorite is Denim and leather of course their best. Princess of the night , Denim and leather, never surrender, and the bands played on in my opinion it rivals Judas Priest British steel and iron maiden 1st album I actually think it's way better than maidens self titled album

[@RuthlessMetalYT]

Yes, it was time. :) Cheers!