Welcome to Auburn Records

A crowd of 350+ die-hard metal fans ventured out to Peabody's Concert Club on a thunderstorm soaked Monday night to witness a magnificent performance by legendary NWOBHM survivors Saxon and Cleveland bands Breaker, Boulder and Mindscape. Mindscape got things under way featuring tracks from their forthcoming new album. Ripping through a set consisting largely of new material, Boulder took no prisoners as they followed with their unique brand of in-your-face power, thrash, and heavy rock mayhem. Their new album, "Reaped In Half, Act I & II", is scheduled for release May 28 on Tee Pee Records. Boulder ended their set boldly with a cover of Saxon's "Fire In The Sky". Breaker followed with a 40-minute set of both new and old classics. New lead vocalist Greg Wagner was warmly welcomed by the crowd and quickly won them over with a simply incredible, over-the-top vocal performance and stage presence. With with no stage monitors to speak of and a limited house P.A., Breaker overcame the sound restrictions by delivering their most energized performance in years. To say the crowd loved their performance this night would be an understatement. The band dedicated "Blood Money" to original lead vocalist Jim Hamar early in their set, a nice gesture to the former front man who left the band suddenly this past January. Greg did the old songs justice, turning in crushing performances of "Action", "10 Seconds In" and "Still Life" while still keeping them close enough to the original versions recorded many years ago with Hamar. New material like "Manifesto" went over just as well and demonstrated Breaker's ability to still write and deliver good songs even after all these years. Guitarist Don Depew's extended Michael Schenker-ish lead in "Too Much Of Nothing" was a show stopping highlight and drew a rousing ovation from the crowd. Breaker's brand new "I Destroy" EP, delayed by the vocalist change, will be released this summer. After this performance, Breaker soundly put to rest any and all doubts anyone may have had with regards to the recent line-up change. Saxon closed out the evening with a 2-hour set that included just about every Saxon song any fan would expect (except this writer's favorite "And The Bands Played On" - figures!). Early into their set, lead singer Biff Byford declared the monitor system the worst the band has ever played through in the States, comparing the sound to garbled washing machines! Nonetheless, Saxon were just as great as always. There really is nothing more that can be said that hasn't already been said about a Saxon show. They are a true fan's band. Both the Saxon band members and their crew were a pleasure to work with. One would be hard pressed to find a more friendly, professional bunch.