SAXON - Rock The Nations NWOBHM European release 12" Vinyl LP Album

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. Released as a 12" vinyl LP in Europe, it embraced the format's charm. The production quality at Hilversum elevated their raw sound, contributing to their status as NWOBHM icons, leaving an enduring legacy in heavy metal history This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

large album front cover photo of: SAXON -  Rock The Nations

"Rock The Nations" Album Description:

In the world of British Heavy Metal history, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement stands as a pivotal moment, birthing iconic bands that left an indelible mark on the genre. Among these stalwarts, Saxon emerged as a force to be reckoned with, and their 1986 release, "Rock The Nations," remains a testament to the band's prowess and the spirit of the NWOBHM era.

The album, recorded at the esteemed Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, captures the essence of a time when heavy metal was undergoing a renaissance. The early to mid-1980s witnessed a surge in creativity within the metal community, and Saxon's "Rock The Nations" was a significant contribution to this musical reawakening.

One distinctive feature of this album is the notable guest appearance by the legendary Elton John on a couple of tracks. This unexpected collaboration added a unique layer to Saxon's sound, showcasing the band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries within the heavy metal landscape.

Released as a 12" vinyl LP, "Rock The Nations" not only epitomized the sonic landscape of the NWOBHM movement but also highlighted the enduring appeal of the vinyl format during this period. Vinyl records were the preferred medium for music enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the music that surpassed the transient nature of digital formats.

The European release of the album further solidified Saxon's influence on the global metal scene. Europe, with its rich musical heritage, became a thriving ground for the NWOBHM movement, and Saxon's "Rock The Nations" found a receptive audience across the continent.

The production quality of the album, owing to the expertise of Wisseloord Studios, added a level of sophistication to Saxon's raw and energetic sound. Each track, meticulously crafted, showcased the band's musical prowess and lyrical prowess, cementing their status as one of the premier acts of the era.

Music Genre:

 NWOBHM Heavy Metal Music

Album  Production information:

Producer : Gary Lyons

Recorded at : Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, Holland , 1986

Mixed at : Wisseloord Studios

Elton John plays piano on tracks 7 & 9

Artwork by : Paul Gregory

Record Label & Catalognr:

 EMI 1C 064-24 0623 1
Packaging: This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Saxon and photos of Saxon's band-members

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl LP Record Audiophile DMM (Direct Metal Mastering) pressing

Year & Country:

 1986 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - Rock The Nations NWOBHM
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Biff Byford - Vocals, Bass

    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.

  • 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" .

  • Paul Johnson - bass (actually bass guitar was played by Byford before Johnson joined the band)
Complete Track Listing of: SAXON - Rock The Nations NWOBHM
    The Song/tracks on "Rock The Nations" are:
  • Rock the Nations 4:40
  • Battle Cry 5:26
  • Waiting For the Night (Byford/Glockler) 4:51
  • We Came Here to Rock 4:18
  • You Ain't No Angel 5:28
  • Running Hot (Byford/Quinn/Oliver/Dawson/Glockler) 3:35
  • Party Til You Puke 3:25
  • Empty Promises 4:09
  • Northern Lady 4:42

 

SAXON - Rock The Nations High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of SAXON - Rock The Nations
Front Cover Photo Of SAXON -  Rock The Nations

 

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 )

Photo Of The Back Cover SAXON - Rock The Nations
Photo of album back cover SAXON -  Rock The Nations

 

Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve SAXON - Rock The Nations
Photo One Of The Original Custom Inner Sleeve SAXON -  Rock The Nations

 

Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve SAXON - Rock The Nations
Photo Two of the original custom inner sleeve  SAXON -  Rock The Nations

 

Close up of Side One SAXON - Rock The Nations record's label
Close up of Side One SAXON -  Rock The Nations

 

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

SAXON - Anthology
SAXON - Anthology album front cover vinyl record

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
SAXON - Back on the Streets album front cover vinyl record

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
SAXON - Crusader  album front cover vinyl record

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

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)
SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed (Canadian and French Releases)  album front cover vinyl record

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
SAXON - Innocence Is No Excuse album front cover vinyl record

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
SAXON - Power and the Glory album front cover vinyl record

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)
SAXON - Rock The Nations (British and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record

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

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
SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits album front cover vinyl record

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

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SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law
SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law album front cover vinyl record

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.

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SAXON - Wheels of Steel (Multiple International Versions)
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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)