Is Metalhead a good place to start with Saxon?

Yes, Metalhead is recommended as a starting point for new Saxon listeners. A fierce celebration of heavy metal's legacy, blending classic riffs with anthemic choruses and lyrical introspection. Released in 1999, Metalhead was Saxon's thirteenth studio album and came during a period of revitalization for the band after their 1997 album, Unleash the Beast. By this point, Saxon had firmly established themselves in the heavy metal scene and were looking to reassert their influence with a return to their roots.

Who is Metalhead for?

Metalhead works well if you're into steady mid-tempo headbanging energy, anthemic choruses for sing-alongs and relentless riffs driving momentum.

How many songs are on Metalhead?

Metalhead has 11 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Metalhead

Saxon · 1999

50 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal

A fierce celebration of heavy metal's legacy, blending classic riffs with anthemic choruses and lyrical introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Metalhead Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, merging dynamic riffs with lyrics that pay homage to the heavy metal culture, making it an anthem for fans.
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Are We Travellers in Time — This track features reflective lyrics exploring themes of existence and time, showcasing Saxon's ability to blend thought-provoking content with strong melodies.
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All Guns Blazing — With its relentless energy and sharp instrumentation, this song exemplifies the band's signature sound while delivering a message of defiance and empowerment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

Metalhead showcases solid songwriting and energetic performances, marking a strong entry in Saxon's discography.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief instrumental intro that sets a heavy tone before launching into the title track, which features driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses.
Several tracks incorporate tempo changes, such as 'Are We Travellers in Time', which shifts from mid-tempo verses to faster-paced choruses.
The last three tracks maintain a consistent energy level, with 'Piss Off' serving as a high-energy closer that encapsulates the album's overall intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo headbanging energy
anthemic choruses for sing-alongs
relentless riffs driving momentum
consistent flow for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer quiet background ambiance

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Revitalized Saxon's reputation in late '90s heavy metal resurgence.
Themes: heavy metal legacy· time-travel reflections
Career context: Released in 1999, Metalhead was Saxon's thirteenth studio album and came during a period of revitalization for the band after their 1997 album, Unleash the Beast. By this point, Saxon had firmly established themselves in the heavy metal scene and were looking to reassert their influence with a return to their roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Judas Priest· Iron Maiden· Accept