Say what you will about them, but SAXON have never strayed far from their 80s Metal roots. And the group continues to be one of the most consistent and recognisable acts remaining from the early 80s NWOBHM scene as they release their latest live album "Let Me Feel Your Power". The record is compiled from a series of shows played during the world tour for their 2015 studio album "Battering Ram" and showcases 32 songs from throughout their career.

The album opens with a section from their Munich show, before moving to Brighton and finally Chicago. This random selection however, makes this lengthy collection seem like it is as much a cash grab as a genuine attempt to capture the live spirit of the band.

The whole album is an energetic look at a whole plethora of fan favourites; from early day heavy hitters like "Wheels of Steel", through to modern rockers like "Destroyer" and Proto-Thrash tracks. However, let's face it, no one is interested in new SAXON. As with so many bands of that era, the only reason people still go to see them is to hear the classics, which, whilst pretty much being all here, are surrounded by their newer songs that always feel lacklustre in comparison. The entire enterprise covers two jam packed CDs, but if you could cut some of the new tracks, keep the classics and some of the deep cuts, then this could be a really solid snapshot of a band powering through a fourth decade of pure metal.

While the songs are all fine, with loads of energy and enthusiasm, there have certainly been very few overdubs on this one. Some of the guitar solos- "Denim and Leather" I'm looking at you- are a bit on the ropey side, and should have been edited in post-production. Regardless, this remains a pretty accurate showing of what SAXON can still bring to the table. Another thing that further showcases that this is a pretty padded out live album is that several of their songs (albeit some of their greatest classics) are doubled up from the different shows.

Overall, this release is a kickass slice of classic metal, but an unnecessary one. SAXON have released plenty of live albums in their career (11 and counting) and unless you happen to be a completist, or one in desperate want of the the new songs as live editions, go for something showcasing them at the height of their strength. Not quite a "Solid Ball of Rock" - more of a half melted Wheel Of Steel...