Saxon - Denim and Leather 12" Vinyl LP Album

- A powerful tribute to the metalhead spirit of the early 1980s, defining the sound and attitude of NWOBHM.

SAXON - Denim and Leather French Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Denim and Leather is the fourth studio album by English heavy metal band Saxon released in 1981 . The name of the album and song was inspired by the popular attire of metalheads in the early 1980s, defined by denim pants and leather jackets. The song is seen as a tribute from the band to their fans while describing the history of the sub-culture and the rise of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)

"Denim and Leather" Album Description:

In the early 1980s, amidst a burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, Saxon released their iconic album "Denim and Leather" on 12" vinyl LP. This album solidified their standing in the genre and became an anthem for the burgeoning heavy metal community.

The album was a raw, energetic exploration of heavy metal themes - rebellion, freedom, and the unbreakable bond between the band and their fans. Songs like the title track "Denim and Leather" and "Princess of the Night" captured the spirit of the era, with driving riffs, powerful vocals, and anthemic choruses that resonated with a generation of metalheads.

"Denim and Leather" also showcased Saxon's musical versatility. Tracks like "Never Surrender" and "And the Bands Played On" had a more melodic edge, while "Fire in the Sky" delved into darker, heavier territories. This willingness to experiment and push boundaries cemented their reputation as innovators within the genre.

The album was recorded at Ramport Studios, a renowned recording facility in London. This choice of studio contributed to the album's high production quality and ensured that the raw energy of Saxon's performances was captured in the recording.

The band's lineup at the time consisted of Biff Byford (vocals), Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn (guitars), Steve Dawson (bass), and Pete Gill (drums). Byford's distinctive vocal style, combined with the band's tight musicianship, resulted in a cohesive and powerful sound that resonated with audiences.

While "Denim and Leather" received critical acclaim and commercial success, it wasn't without its controversies. The album's themes and imagery, with their emphasis on leather, denim, and rebellion, were seen as provocative by some. However, this only fueled the album's appeal among its target audience, who embraced the rebellious spirit it embodied.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal NWOBHM Music

Label & Catalognr:

Carrere 67.811

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1981 Made in France

Producers:
  • Nigel Thomas – Producer
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Andy Lydon – Sound Engineer
Recording Location:

Aquarius Studios, Geneva
Polar Studios, Stockholm

Mastering Engineer & Location:

Mixed at Polar Studios, Stockholm

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Members, Musicians:
  • Biff Byford – Vocals

    Biff Byford (real-name: Peter Rodney Byford) born in the year 1951 in Skelmanthorpe, Win England. Lead singer in the bands “Son of a Bitch” from 1977 until 1978, followed by being lead-singer in the SAXON band

    Byford formed Saxon in 1977 and has been a constant member of the band ever since. Over the years, Saxon has become one of the most influential bands in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, and Byford's powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have been a key part of their success.

    In addition to his work with Saxon, Byford has also worked on various solo projects and collaborated with other musicians. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre, and has been referred to as one of the most influential heavy metal singers of all time.

    Byford is known for his unique vocal style, which features a blend of powerful and melodic singing, and his distinctive stage presence and energy have made him a popular figure among heavy metal fans around the world.

  • Graham Oliver – Guitar

    Graham Oliver a guitarist and bass player , born in 1952 Mexborough, England. He was founding member and one of the main song-writer in the British Heavy Metal band Saxon. He started his career around 1975 in a band called “Son of a Bitch”.

  • Paul Quinn – Guitar

    Paul Quinn (full-name: Paul Anthony Quinn) is one of original founding members of Saxon and started in the Coast and "Son Of Bitch" bands.

  • Steve Dawson – Bass

    Steve "Dobby" Dawson was born in 1952 , bass guitar player and one of the founding members of the British Heavy Metal band “SAXON”

  • Pete Gill – Drums

    Pete Gill - Drums, one of the co-founders of the British bands: "Son Of A Bitch" and "Saxon", he has played drums in two major British Heavy Metal bands: "Saxon" and "Motorhead" .

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting:
  1. Princess of the Night – 4:01
  2. Never Surrender – 3:15
  3. Out of Control – 4:07
  4. Rough and Ready – 4:51
  5. Play it Loud – 4:11
  6. And the Bands Played On – 2:48
  7. Midnight Rider – 5:45
  8. Fire in the Sky – 3:37
  9. Denim and Leather – 5:25

Saxon: Revving Up the New Wave of British Heavy Metal - A Discography

SAXON - Anthology album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Anthology

Saxon's 'Anthology,' a monumental compilation, emerged in the musical landscape of 1988. The British Heavy Metal icons unveiled this masterpiece as a 12" double LP, a testament to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era. The anthology encapsulates the band's prowess, offering an auditory journey

Anthology 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Back on the Streets album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Back on the Streets

In the mid-1980s, British heavy metal band Saxon released an extended 12" vinyl maxi-single featuring two tracks, "Back on the Streets (Extended Version)" and "Live Fast Die Young". This release aimed to capitalize on the success of their album "Innocence Is No Excuse" and further solidify their position

Back on the Streets 12" Vinyl Maxi
SAXON - Crusader album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Crusader

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.

Crusader 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Denim and Leather album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Denim and Leather

In the early 1980s, amidst a burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, Saxon released their iconic album "Denim and Leather" on 12" vinyl LP. This album solidified their standing in the genre and became an anthem for the burgeoning heavy metal community.

Denim and Leather 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed (Canadian and French Releases) album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed (Canadian and French Releases)

Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, this live recording transports listeners back to a time when heavy metal was forging its identity, a genre marked by unbridled passion, piercing guitar solos, and anthemic vocals. The early 1980s were a defining period for metal, witnessing the rise of iconic bands

- The Eagle has Landed Live (1982, Canada) - The Eagle Has Landed Live (1982, France)
SAXON - Innocence Is No Excuse album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Innocence Is No Excuse

Saxon's "Innocence Is No Excuse," a seminal British Heavy Metal masterpiece, emerged in 1985 as the band's seventh studio album. Marking their debut with EMI post a rift with Carrere Records, the LP showcases Saxon's resilience and evolution. Its tracks resonate with powerful guitar riffs and anthemic vocal

Innocence Is No Excuse 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Power and the Glory album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Power and the Glory

The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a pivotal moment in the history of heavy metal, giving rise to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This movement, characterized by a raw and energetic sound, emerged as a reaction to the perceived stagnation in the rock and metal scenes of the time.

Power and the Glory 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Rock The Nations (British and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Rock The Nations (British and German Releases)

Saxon's 1986 release, 'Rock The Nations,' epitomizes the NWOBHM era's spirit. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, the album, featuring Elton John on select tracks, is a testament to Saxon's musical prowess. The production quality at Hilversum elevated their raw sound, contributing to their status as NWOBHM

- Rock the Nations (1986, England) - Rock The Nations (1986, Germany)

SAXON - S/T Self-Titled album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - S/T Self-Titled

Saxon burst onto the music scene at a time when rock music was undergoing a transformation. The late '70s witnessed the emergence of a new wave of British heavy metal, a movement characterized by the fusion of traditional heavy metal with punk and hard rock influences.

SAXON - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits

SAXON's "Strong Arm Metal" is not just an album; it's a journey through the very essence of heavy metal. Released during a period when the genre was exploding with creativity and innovation, the album compiles some of the band's most iconic tracks, showcasing their ability to craft anthems

Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law

Saxon's 1980 album "Strong Arm of the Law," released on Carrere Records in France, encapsulates the dynamic early 1980s metal scene. A product of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the album's production on a 12" vinyl LP resonates with the era's analog warmth.

Strong Arm of the Law 12" Vinyl LP
SAXON - Wheels of Steel (Multiple International Versions) album front cover vinyl record
SAXON - Wheels of Steel (Multiple International Versions)

The release of "Wheels of Steel" by the British Heavy Metal band SAXON in 1980 marked a significant moment in the history of the genre. This iconic album, recorded at Ramport Studios in London, UK, and produced by Pete Hinton and Saxon themselves, became a cornerstone in the metal landscape.

- Wheels of Steel (1980, England) - Wheels of Steels ( 1980, Europe ) - Wheels of Steel (1980, France) - Wheels of Steel (1980, USA)