Saxon's "Crusader," a hallmark of NWOBHM in 1984, exemplifies the genre's evolution. Produced by Kevin Beamish, known for his 1980s metal expertise, the 12" Gatefold vinyl offers a tactile journey. This album, a blend of anthems and experimentation, embodies the era's heavy metal spirit. A testament to Saxon's prowess, "Crusader" stands as a pivotal release, capturing the essence of a musical period.
In the vibrant era of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), Saxon emerged as one of the genre's enduring icons. Their sixth studio album, "Crusader," released in 1984, stands as a testament to the band's prowess and the overall spirit of the NWOBHM movement. This expository article delves into the time period surrounding the album's release, exploring its production nuances, and shedding light on the unique characteristics of the 12" vinyl LP format with a Fold Open Cover (FOC), commonly known as a Gatefold cover.
The NWOBHM Phenomenon
The late 1970s and early 1980s witnessed a musical renaissance in the United Kingdom with the rise of the NWOBHM. Bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and, of course, Saxon, played a pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal landscape. Characterized by powerful vocals, twin guitar harmonies, and a raw, energetic sound, NWOBHM was a rebellion against the prevailing musical norms.
"Crusader" in the Context of 1984
Released in 1984, "Crusader" arrived at a crucial juncture in the evolution of heavy metal. The genre was expanding its horizons, incorporating diverse influences while maintaining its hard-hitting core. Against this backdrop, Saxon's "Crusader" showcased the band's evolution, featuring a mix of anthemic tracks and more experimental sounds.
Production Insight: Kevin Beamish's Expertise
At the helm of "Crusader's" production was Kevin Beamish, a seasoned engineer with a notable presence in the 1980s metal scene. Having previously worked on albums for Leatherwolf and Saxon, Beamish brought a wealth of experience to the table. His production style complemented Saxon's sonic identity, resulting in an album that retained the raw energy of NWOBHM while incorporating a polished sheen.
The Gatefold Experience
The physical format of "Crusader" adds another layer to its allure. The 12" LP black vinyl, a staple of the time, offered a tangible connection between the listener and the music. The Fold Open Cover, or Gatefold, enhanced the album experience. Opening the cover revealed expansive artwork, lyrics, and additional information, creating a multisensory journey for the audience.
Album Fact Sheet: SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC |
Music Genre:NWOBHM British Heavy Metal |
Album Production information:The album: "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" was produced by: Kevin Beamish 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. Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Kevin Beamish, Bruce Barris Bruce 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.. This album was recorded at: Sound City, LA Mastered by George Marino at: Sterling Sound, New York City, NY George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music. Album cover design: Paul Gregory |
Record Company / Catalog number / Label: Carrere 66081 |
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Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in France |
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Album Back Cover Photo of "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" |
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Inner Sleeve of "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" Album |
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Photo of "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Enlarged & Zoomed photo of "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" Record's LabelUsing the marked/"highlighted" rectangles below , you will be able to correctly identify this release of the album. |
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Photo of "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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Photo of "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" 12" LP Record - Side Two: |
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Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "SAXON - Crusader NWOBHM FOC" is:
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