Strong Arm Metal: is a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal as a cultural force. The legacy of SAXON comes alive once again, reminding us why their music continues to resonate with metalheads of all generations.
In the rich tapestry of heavy metal history, certain bands have risen to legendary status, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Among these luminaries stands SAXON, a British powerhouse that has long been hailed as one of the cornerstones of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. With their thunderous sound, anthemic melodies, and unrelenting energy, SAXON captured the hearts of metal enthusiasts around the world. Among their celebrated releases, "Strong Arm Metal: SAXON's Greatest Hits" shines as a testament to their enduring musical prowess, and the 12" LP vinyl format encapsulates their legacy in a timeless medium.
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 that resonate with the masses.
The production credits for this masterpiece read like a who's who of musical talent. The album was produced collectively by the band itself alongside Pete Hinton, Nigel Thomas, and John Verity. This collaboration of creative minds ensured that the sonic landscape of the album was meticulously crafted to deliver the raw power and precision that SAXON was known for.
The visual identity of "Strong Arm Metal" was not overlooked either. The artwork, designed by Peter Keller, strikes a chord with its graphic and illustrative style. It serves as a visual portal to the sonic world within the vinyl, inviting listeners to delve into the music that lies beneath the album cover.
The track-listing of "Strong Arm Metal" is a veritable treasure trove of metal classics. Side One opens with the titular "Strong Arm of the Law", a track that boasts a hard-hitting rhythm and soaring vocals that set the tone for the album. "Wheels of Steel" follows suit, showcasing SAXON's ability to craft infectious riffs and unforgettable hooks. The unyielding spirit of the genre is further exemplified in "Never Surrender", a testament to the resilience of both the band and their fanbase.
As the vinyl spins to Side Two, the ferocity of "Motorcycle Man" roars to life, transporting listeners on a high-octane journey. "Stallions of the Highway" gallops forth with an energy that mirrors the galloping hooves of the titular stallions. "And the Bands Played On" captures the communal spirit of metal concerts, uniting fans under the banner of music and camaraderie.
The album takes a contemplative turn with "Dallas 1PM", a poignant track that delves into historical events with a melodic sensibility. Finally, "Denim and Leather" brings the curtain down with its anthemic chorus and rallying cry for the metal brotherhood.
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Music Genre: NWOBHM - New Wave Of British Heavy Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits" was produced by: Saxon, Pete Hinton, Nigel Thomas, John Verity. Pete Hinton is a British Music producer, during the 1980s he has produced records for bands like: Saxon , Demon , Deathwish, Coroner and many others. Peter Keller - Grafik and Illustration |
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Record Label Information: Carrere 66174 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1984 Made in France |
Complete Track-listing of the album "SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits" 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's Greatest Hits" Pink Colour Carrere Record Label Details: Carrere 66174 ℗ 1984 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.