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.
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 Information: 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 |
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Track Listing of: SAXON - Rock The Nations NWOBHM |
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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 )
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.