SAXON - ROCK THE NATIONS - UK PRESSING 12" Vinyl LP Album

SAXON's 1986 masterpiece, "Rock the Nations," epitomizes British Heavy Metal excellence. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands, the UK pressing on a 12" vinyl LP showcases the band's raw power and melodic finesse. Produced by Gary Lyons, the album stands as a pinnacle of the NWOBHM era, a sonic triumph immortalized in the grooves of its UK release.

 

SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Rock the Nations" Album Description:

In 1986, British Heavy Metal stalwarts SAXON unleashed their formidable prowess with "Rock the Nations." Produced by Gary Lyons and recorded at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands, this studio album is a testament to the band's enduring impact on the metal scene. The UK pressing of the 12" vinyl LP not only delivers the raw power of SAXON's sound but also echoes the band's commitment to musical excellence. In the hallowed halls of Wisseloord Studios, each track was meticulously crafted, showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly blend aggression with melody.

"Rock the Nations" stands as a symbol of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement's zenith. The album's UK pressing, a manifestation of the band's roots, represents a sonic journey that captivates listeners with its unbridled energy. With Gary Lyons at the helm of production, the album achieved a sonic richness that elevated SAXON's sound to new heights.

The Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, known for their technical brilliance, provided an ideal canvas for SAXON's musical artistry. The album's recording process in the Netherlands marked a significant chapter in the band's discography, capturing the essence of an era when heavy metal was reaching new heights of creativity and expression.

As we revisit the UK pressing of "Rock the Nations," the 12" vinyl LP becomes more than just a record; it becomes a sonic tapestry that encapsulates the essence of British Heavy Metal in the mid-1980s. The album's legacy endures, serving as a testament to SAXON's impact on the global metal stage and the NWOBHM movement's enduring influence.

Collectors information:

Elton John plays piano on tracks 7 & 9

This album "SAXON - Rock The Nations UK pressing" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos.

Music Genre:

 NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal
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 EMC 3515

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1986 Made in England
Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - Rock The Nations UK pressing
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • 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"

  • Paul Johnson - bass (actually bass guitar was played by Byford before Johnson joined the band)
  • Nigel Glockler - drums
Track Listing of: "SAXON - Rock The Nations UK pressing"
    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

 


 

Front Cover Photo Of SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. 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 Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Close up of Side One record's label SAXON - Rock The Nations Uk Gt Britain Pressing 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Rock The Nations Gt Britain" Black Colour EMI Record Label Details: EMI EMC 3515 ℗ 1986 EMI Recprds Ltd Sound Copyright

"Rock The Nations Gt Britain" Black Colour EMI Record Label Details: EMI EMC 3515 ℗ 1986 EMI Recprds Ltd Sound Copyright
 

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

SAXON Band Information:

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.