"Anthology" is the second compilation album by the British Heavy metal band "Saxon" and was releasd in 1988 as a 12" double LP set. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Saxon's "Anthology" is a definitive masterpiece that encapsulates the essence and raw power of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Released in 1988 as a double LP set, this vinyl album stands as a testament to Saxon's influential presence in the metal genre and their unwavering commitment to creating hard-hitting and memorable music.
The NWOBHM era, which emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, saw a resurgence of heavy metal music in the United Kingdom. Saxon, along with bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Motorhead, played a pivotal role in defining the sound and spirit of this movement. Their distinct blend of energetic riffs, powerful vocals, and captivating lyrics helped shape the future of heavy metal music.
"Anthology" serves as a sonic journey through Saxon's early years, showcasing their most iconic and groundbreaking tracks. The album captures the band's evolution, starting from their raw and gritty debut album, "Saxon", released in 1979, and progressing to their more polished and mature sound showcased in later releases like "Wheels of Steel" (1980) and "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980).
The double LP format allows for a comprehensive collection of Saxon's greatest hits and fan favorites, giving listeners a chance to fully immerse themselves in the band's powerful discography. Songs like "Princess of the Night", "Denim and Leather", and "747 (Strangers in the Night)" exemplify Saxon's ability to create anthems that resonate with audiences, combining catchy melodies with a sense of rebellion and a celebration of the metal lifestyle.
One of the standout features of "Anthology" is the vinyl format itself. The warm and rich sound produced by the needle on the vinyl creates a unique listening experience that cannot be replicated by digital formats. The crackling of the needle as it glides over the grooves adds an element of nostalgia and authenticity, immersing the listener in the raw power of Saxon's music.
Beyond the musical aspect, the album's artwork and packaging further enhance the overall experience. The intricate and visually stunning cover art captures the essence of Saxon's music and the spirit of heavy metal, with its bold and captivating imagery. Holding the double LP in your hands and flipping through the accompanying booklet transports you back to a time when physical albums were cherished and admired as works of art.
"Anthology" stands as a testament to Saxon's enduring legacy and their impact on the heavy metal genre. By compiling their greatest hits in this double LP album, Saxon invites listeners to delve into the band's rich history, allowing them to appreciate the evolution of their sound and the profound influence they had on subsequent generations of metal musicians.
|
Album Description & Collectors information: This double album "SAXON - Anthology 2LP NWOBHM" has a gatefold/foc cover. Transcript of the Liner Notes SAXON crashed onto the scene at the beginning of 'The New Wave of British Heavy Metal.' Releasing their first album 'Saxon' in 1979, containing shout it out lyrics and anthemic songs. The band soon attracted a lot of interest, by touring with well known heavy rock bands at the time including Motorhead and Nazereth. The second album 'Wheels of Steel' appeared in 1980, a cornucopia of loud, hard and fast, down to earth heavy metal, played at it's best. 'Strong Arm of the Law' also released in 1980 followed in the footsteps of the british metal scene andirthey began to sell out the country's major rock venues, never compromising to any outside pressure from the press or to their claim following of the genre) welcoming each subsequent release with open arms. Playing heavy metal like no other band, Saxon must be one of popular rock shores. So just put the album on the stereo, crank up the volume and be prepared for some heavy metal thunder. |
|
|
Music Genre: |
New Wave of British Heavy Metal |
|
Album
Production information:
The album: "SAXON - Anthology 2LP NWOBHM" was produced by: Castle Communications and Jeff Glixman - Producer, Sound Engineer Jeff Glixman is a highly respected and accomplished music producer, sound engineer, and mastering engineer. With a career spanning several decades, Glixman has made significant contributions to the music industry, working with renowned artists and leaving an indelible mark on numerous recordings. Born on 10 June 1951, in New York City, Jeff Glixman developed a passion for music at an early age. He began playing guitar and exploring various genres, immersing himself in the vibrant music scene of the city. Glixman's love for music soon expanded beyond performing, and he became fascinated with the technical aspects of sound production. Glixman's journey in the music industry took off when he started working at the legendary Record Plant Studios in New York. There, he honed his skills as a recording engineer, working with a diverse range of artists and learning from experienced professionals. Glixman's talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, earning him a reputation as a skilled engineer with a keen ear for sound. In the 1970s, Glixman made a significant breakthrough when he began collaborating with progressive rock band Kansas. He worked on their critically acclaimed albums, including "Leftoverture" (1976) and "Point of Know Return" (1977), which featured the chart-topping hit "Dust in the Wind". Glixman's meticulous attention to detail and innovative production techniques helped shape Kansas' distinctive sound and contributed to their commercial success. Following his success with Kansas, Glixman went on to work with other notable rock acts, including Gary Moore, Black Sabbath, and Y&T. He became known for his ability to capture the essence of a band's sound and bring out the best in their performances. Glixman's collaborations with these artists resulted in iconic albums, such as Gary Moore's "Run for Cover" (1985) and Y&T's "In Rock We Trust" (1984). In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Glixman also excelled as a mastering engineer. His expertise in the final stages of the recording process allowed him to fine-tune and enhance the overall sound quality of albums. Glixman's mastering credits include albums by artists like Eric Clapton, Cinderella, and Krokus, further showcasing his versatility and skill set. Throughout his career, Jeff Glixman's contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. His work has garnered multiple gold and platinum certifications, reflecting the commercial success of the albums he has been involved in. Glixman's dedication to his craft, commitment to excellence, and ability to create a dynamic and immersive sonic experience have solidified his reputation as one of the industry's most sought-after producers and engineers. With a career that has spanned over four decades, Jeff Glixman continues to be actively involved in the music industry, collaborating with emerging and established artists alike. His passion for music and his unwavering pursuit of sonic perfection make him a respected figure in the field. Glixman's enduring legacy lies not only in the albums he has produced but also in the inspiration he has provided to aspiring producers and engineers around the world. Jeff Glixman a music producer, sound engineer and mastering engineer who has managed the NWOBHM band "Black Sabbath" and during the 1980s Glixman has produced albums for Gary Moore, Kansas, Magnum, Saxon and Yngwie J. Malmsteen. John Verity - Producer, Sound Engineer, Guitarist John Verity from Bradford, West Yorkshire) is an English guitarist formerly with the band Argent from 1974 to 1976. During the 1980s he was responsible for the production and/or sound engineer of Heavy Metal albums. In particular for the bands Saxon and Tank. Kevin Beamish - Producer, Sound Engineer Kevin Beamish is an American music producer, sound engineer, during the 1980s he has produced and engineered several heavy metal albums for bands like: Leatherwolf and Saxon. Nigel Thomas - Producer, Cover Design Pete Hinton - Producer, Sound Engineer Pete Hinton is a British Music producer, during the 1980s he has produced records for bands like: Saxon , Demon , Deathwish, Coroner and many others. Simon Hanhart - Producer, Sound Engineer Will Reid-Dick - Sound Engineer, Producer Will Reid-Dick an English producer, engineer, mastering engineer and musician, during the 1980s responsible for some NWOBHM records from Motorhead , Saxon but also for German bands like Rage , Sinner and several others. Will Reid-Dick English producer, engineer, mastering engineer and musician, during the 1980s responsible for some NWOBHM records from Motorhead, Saxon but also for German bands like Rage, Sinner and several others. Andy Lydon - Sound Engineer Bruce Barris - Sound Engineer, ProducBruce Barris (Sound Engineer, Producer) during the 1980s he has been producing and engineering music albums for the Heavy Metal bands like: Leatherwolf, Sanctuary, Saxon, Shok Paris..er Cheryl Bordagary - Sound Engineer Les Horne - Sound Engineer George Marino (1947-2012) - Mastering Engineer George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres. From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched. During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:
These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies. George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more. Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music. |
|
|
Record Label Information: Raw Power RAWLP 038 |
|
|
Media Format: Double 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 480 gram |
|
|
Year & Country: 1988 Made in England |
|
Track Listing of: "SAXON - Anthology 2LP NWOBHM" |
|
The Songs/tracks on "SAXON - Anthology 2LP NWOBHM" are
|
Saxon was a British heavy metal band that emerged in the late 1970s and went on to achieve considerable success during the 1980s. The band, which consisted of Biff Byford on vocals, Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn on guitar, Steve Dawson on bass, and Nigel Glockler on drums, was known for their high-energy performances, catchy hooks, and hard-driving riffs.
During the early 1980s, Saxon released a string of successful albums, including "Wheels of Steel" (1980), "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980), and "Denim and Leather" (1981). These albums established Saxon as one of the leading bands in the new wave of British heavy metal, alongside bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard.
One of the defining characteristics of Saxon's music during this period was their use of twin guitar harmonies, a technique popularized by Thin Lizzy and used by many of the leading metal bands of the time. This technique was particularly prominent on songs like "Princess of the Night" and "And the Bands Played On," both of which became fan favorites and staples of the band's live shows.
Saxon's success during the 1980s was not limited to the UK. The band was also popular in the US, where they toured extensively and made a number of high-profile appearances on shows like "The Merv Griffin Show" and "American Bandstand." Their popularity in the US was helped by the fact that they had a sound that was more accessible than some of their contemporaries, with a heavy emphasis on melody and catchy hooks.
Despite their success, Saxon was not without their share of controversies during the 1980s. One of the most notable of these was their decision to play a show in apartheid-era South Africa in 1981, which led to widespread criticism and accusations of racism. The band defended their decision, stating that they did not support apartheid and that their primary motivation was to play for their fans in the country. However, the controversy led to a boycott of the band in some countries, and they were banned from performing in New Zealand and Australia for several years.
There have been several controversies surrounding the English rock band Saxon throughout their career. Here are a few notable ones:
"Denim and Leather" controversy: In 1981, Saxon released their album "Denim and Leather" which paid tribute to their fans and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. However, the album cover featured a photo of two young boys wearing denim and leather jackets, which some critics and fans felt was inappropriate and exploitative. The band defended the cover, saying it was meant to symbolize the next generation of metal fans.
"Crusader" controversy: In 1984, Saxon released their album "Crusader" which had a title track that was accused of promoting Christian crusades and religious intolerance. The band denied these allegations and said the song was meant to be about standing up for one's beliefs.
Nigel Glockler's firing: In 1987, Saxon fired their drummer Nigel Glockler due to creative differences. This caused a rift in the band and led to several lineup changes over the years.
Graham Oliver's departure: In 1995, Saxon parted ways with guitarist Graham Oliver, who sued the band over trademark infringement for continuing to use the Saxon name without his consent. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and Oliver went on to form his own version of Saxon.
"Solid Ball of Rock" artwork: In 1991, Saxon released their album "Solid Ball of Rock" which featured artwork that was accused of being sexist and objectifying women. The band defended the artwork, saying it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek and not to be taken seriously.
In addition to their controversies, Saxon also faced some internal tensions during the 1980s. One of the most significant of these was the departure of guitarist Graham Oliver in 1995, which was followed by a period of declining commercial success and changes in the band's lineup. However, Saxon remained a popular live act and continued to release new music throughout the 1990s and 2000s.