The British NWOBHM legend Saxon are still going strong after almost 25 years of heavy metal and there seems to be no way of stopping them. In fact, after watching this double DVD I must admit that the band sounds stronger than before, if that’s possible. The Saxon Chronicles first part features a live recording of their gig on Wacken Open Air in 2001. Although their age is starting to show, their enthusiasm certainly hasn’t dwindled during all those years. Saxon deliver a great performance with topnotch camera work and although I do not like the overly polished production I’m certain that most of the fans will. The sound is simply amazing, but maybe a bit too good for a live recording and that hurts the atmosphere. The crowd has become victim of this embellishment however; you barely hear the clapping and screaming and that’s what makes a live recording such a great experience in my opinion.

The first DVD features 17 live songs, but that includes the mandatory and oh-so-boring drum and guitar solos. Furthermore, it features a good interview (although with some silly questions at times) with Biff Byford, as well as an extensive discography. All pretty standard stuff for a live DVD. The second DVD however features a home video of Saxon on Tour; pretty great but yet again standard stuff. The best part of this home video is a part of a live performance at the Esbjerg Festival in 1995.

Three songs are featured (“747”, “Princess Of The Night” and “Wheels Of Steel”) and unlike the smooth production of the main live recordings, this stuff is pretty raw and well worth to watch. I see some similarities with the Kreator live DVD which is released at almost the same time: an overly smooth production, yet we get to see a glimpse of the true live essence in a home video. Fair is fair, both bands aren’t hiding anything but it would have been nice if the DVDs wouldn’t have been so overproduced. Oh well, you can’t have it all and I’m certain the sound will please many a fan.

The second disc also features a picture and press clippings gallery. Both are of a rather poor quality but might entertain the fans of old. There are some shameful and awful looking pictures of the early days of the band. No offense intended. Finally, it also contains Saxon’s television appearances as well as 8 video clips. “Unleash The Beast” requires some further mentioning because this clip also features a behind the scenes.

The Saxon Chronicles is a great double DVD for the true Saxon fan and contains basically everything you always wanted to know about the band as well as a great live concert. Although not all the material is quite up to par, the DVD’s extensiveness makes up for that.