SAXON – Innocence Is No Excuse [SHM-CD mini-LP remastered +7] (2025) HQ *Exclusive*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

Remastered and including seven bonus tracks, Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ ／ Ａｖａｌｏｎ Japan just reissued SAXON 1985’s album ‘Innocence Is No Excuse‘ on SHM-CD, a Paper Sleeve mini-LP replica from the original vinyl pressing. It uses the latest remastering, however this SHM-CD has a more defined bottom end.
”Innocence Is No Excuse” is Saxon’s major-label debut, their first album under EMI / Parlophone. Produced by Simon Hanhart, 1985’s Innocence was a controversial reinvention of the band’s style. It has a very commercial sound: smooth chorused guitars, gated drums and extra keyboards. And the band put a pop-metal spin on their material too. The opening track, the moody and windswept Rockin’ Again sets the stall out clearly: this is not going to be your typical Saxon album.

With Byford and Dawson hogging the writing chores, the focus is firmly on melodies and anthems. The glossy production with the guitars and their crystalline sustain, the fat bass lines and drums echo louder than ever, enhanced the best written pack of songs included into a Saxon album since its foundation. It’s a vast sound that increases the scope and atmosphere. At the forefront, Byford’s lead vocals are not only more fine-tuned, but they’re actually singing catchy choruses.
From the cryptic opening of “Rockin’ Again” to the cheerful “Back On The Streets” and to the spirited “Everybody Up” (used in the 1985 Italian horror movie Demoni), this is like listening to a re-invigorated band.

There’s not a single weak song on this album, all are strong n’ catchy, but if I have to highlight one, the midtempo “Broken Heroes” is probably my favorite Saxon song ever. Of all the gloomy, solemn songs this band wrote, this one is the best at capturing its themes without compromising the music. Byford’s sullen delivery is exemplary, as well as the accompanying guitar leads that ring fervently with that clean distortion. Behind it all is Glockler’s artillery-loud pounding, as well as the flabby bass gliding along with it. Such an intense song with an infectious chorus to match.

If you never heard Saxon’s “Innocence Is No Excuse” you’re missing a great ’80s album. This is a great opportunity to ride into it as the remaster is awesome, and the 7 bonuses are a worthy addition.
Highly Recommended

Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ ／ Ａｖａｌｏｎ 【ＭＩＣＰ～30209】
【ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ】

01 – Rockin’ Again
02 – Call Of The Wild
03 – Back On The Streets
04 – Devil Rides Out
05 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsy
06 – Broken Heroes
07 – Gonna Shout
08 – Everybody Up
09 – Raise Some Hell
10 – Give It Everything You’ve Got
BONUS TRACKS:
11 – Live Fast Die Young (B-Side Of “Back On The Streets”)
12 – Krakatoa (B-Side Of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsy”)
13 – Broken Heroes (Chapel Studio, Thoresby demo)
14 – Devil Rides Out (Chapel Studio, Thoresby demo)
15 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsy (Chapel Studio, Thoresby demo)
16 – Rockin’ Again (Chapel Studio, Thoresby demo)
17 – Shout It Out (Chapel Studio, Thoresby demo)

Biff Byford – vocals
Graham Oliver – guitar
Paul Quinn – guitar
Steve Dawson – bass
Nigel Glockler – drums

BUY
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-30209