This web-page is a Photo Gallery of Saxon's most desirable albums which have been released during the 1970s and 1980s. For each album you will find photos of the front, back album cover, inside of gatefold covers, custom inner sleeve as well as close-ups of the record labels. Additional their are detailed Saxon album descriptions with production information, tracklistings.
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.
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
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'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
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
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'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
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'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 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'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'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
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)