Saxon's eponymous 1979 debut, a cornerstone of the NWOBHM movement, signaled a new era in heavy metal. Released during a pivotal time, its raw production and anthemic tracks, like "Stallions of the Highway," left an indelible mark. The French 12" LP vinyl release added elegance, contributing to the album's enduring legacy as a pioneering force in British heavy metal.
In the vibrant music scene of the late 1970s, Saxon emerged as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Among their notable releases, the self-titled album "Saxon" stands as a testament to the band's raw energy and distinctive sound. Released in 1979 as a 12" LP vinyl album on Carrere Records, the French edition of this iconic record showcases Saxon's early craftsmanship and hints at the band's future success.
The Rise of Saxon and the NWOBHM Movement:
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, along with bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, played a crucial role in shaping this movement and capturing the imaginations of a whole new generation of metalheads.
The Significance of the Self-Titled Album:
The self-titled "Saxon" album, released in 1979, marked the band's debut full-length studio effort. This record solidified Saxon's place within the NWOBHM movement and helped establish their unique musical identity. The French release on Carrere Records introduced their music to a wider European audience, expanding their reach beyond the UK.
Musical Style and Highlights:
"Saxon" captures the band's signature sound, combining heavy riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals. The album opens with the thunderous "Rainbow Theme", setting the stage for a relentless onslaught of hard-hitting tracks.
The Evolution of Saxon's Sound:
While their debut album laid the foundation for their future success, Saxon's subsequent releases would see them refining and evolving their sound. The band's ability to seamlessly incorporate melodic elements into their heavy metal framework became more evident in later albums like "Wheels of Steel" and "Strong Arm of the Law". These records would go on to define Saxon's classic sound and solidify their status as one of the leading forces in British heavy metal.
Legacy and Influence:
Saxon's self-titled album not only propelled them into the metal spotlight but also left an indelible mark on the genre as a whole. Their unique blend of raw energy, anthemic hooks, and memorable songwriting set the blueprint for countless metal bands that followed. Saxon's influence can be heard in the works of many subsequent metal acts, from thrash metal to power metal and beyond.
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Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal |
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The album: "SAXON - S/T Self-Titled" was produced by: John Verity John Verity born on 3 July 1949, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, is a pivotal figure in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Renowned as a guitarist, vocalist, and producer, Verity played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive sound of NWOBHM. His contributions, both as a musician and behind the studio console, underscore his enduring impact on the evolution of British rock during this influential musical era. Musical Career: Verity began his musical journey as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the band Argent in the early 1970s. Argent, known for hits like "Hold Your Head Up," provided Verity with a platform to showcase his skills as a versatile and dynamic performer. His time with Argent allowed him to establish himself as a prominent figure in the British rock scene. Solo Career: Following his stint with Argent, John Verity embarked on a solo career, releasing albums that showcased his proficiency in both rock and blues genres. His solo work includes albums like "Interrupted Journey" and "Truth of the Matter," where he continued to impress audiences with his soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing. Producer Extraordinaire: Beyond his role as a performer, Verity has made a mark as a producer, contributing to the creation of albums for various artists. His expertise in the studio has allowed him to work with musicians across different genres, helping them achieve the desired sound for their projects. Some of the heavy metal bands for which he produced albums include Saxon and Tank, Collaborations and Versatility: Verity's collaborative spirit and musical versatility are evident in the range of artists he has worked with over the years. Whether in the role of a guitarist, vocalist, or producer, he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of music and a commitment to delivering high-quality performances. Live Performances: In addition to his studio work, John Verity has maintained a presence in the live music scene. His performances, marked by a charismatic stage presence and a genuine connection with the audience, have solidified his reputation as a captivating live performer. Influence and Legacy: John Verity's influence extends beyond his own discography. His work, both as a musician and a producer, has left an indelible mark on the rock and blues genres. Artists and fans alike continue to appreciate his contributions to the rich tapestry of British music.
Tape Operator: Robert Price This album was recorded at: Livingstone Studios Album cover design: Grafix Album cover photography: Mike Ford, Dave Muscroft |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Pink Carrere 67.331 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1979 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - S/T Self-Titled |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "SAXON - S/T Self-Titled" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "SAXON - S/T Self-Titled" is:
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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 ).
"Saxon" Pink Colour CARRERE Record Label Details: Carrere 67.331 ℗ 1979 Carrere Sound Copyright
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.