Saxon's "The Eagle Has Landed" Canadian release, a 1981 live album, immortalizes the band's prime during their United States tour. The 12" vinyl LP, echoing the era's analog production, captures the raw energy of early '80s heavy metal. A visual masterpiece, the European-inspired cover complements the sonic journey, making it a cherished relic in the history of metal, embodying Saxon's prowess and the genre's defining era.
In the vibrant tapestry of heavy metal history, certain albums stand out as pivotal landmarks, capturing the raw energy and electrifying atmosphere of a live performance. Saxon's "The Eagle Has Landed" is undoubtedly one such masterpiece, a Canadian release that immortalizes the band's prowess during the 1981 United States leg of their world tour.
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 that would leave an indelible mark on the global music scene.
Saxon, hailing from the United Kingdom, emerged as a formidable force in the metal landscape during this era. Their live performances were renowned for their intensity, and "The Eagle Has Landed" serves as a sonic testament to the band's stage presence and musical prowess.
The time period of 1981 is significant in the context of Saxon's career. It was a moment when the band was riding the wave of success, propelled by earlier studio albums like "Wheels of Steel" and "Strong Arm of the Law." The decision to capture the live experience on record was a strategic move, allowing fans to relive the magic of Saxon's concerts in the comfort of their homes.
The production of this Canadian release reflects the state of audio technology in the early '80s. Analog recording methods, with their warmth and imperfections, contribute to the authentic feel of the album. The live atmosphere is vividly captured, from the roar of the crowd to the powerful delivery of each musical instrument.
The album cover, a visual component often overlooked in the digital age, is a piece of art that complements the music within. Designed with a style characteristic of European publications of the time, it encapsulates the essence of Saxon's stage presence and the energy of their live performance.
As the needle drops on the vinyl, the listener is transported to a moment in history when heavy metal was a burgeoning force, and Saxon was at the forefront of the movement. "The Eagle Has Landed" not only stands as a testament to the band's live prowess but also serves as a time capsule, allowing fans to revisit a crucial juncture in the evolution of metal music.
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Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal |
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Album Production Information: The album: "SAXON - The Eagle has Landed Live" was produced by: Saxon |
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Record Label & Catalognr: Green Capitol Records SN-66180 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1982 Made in Canada |
Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - The Eagle has Landed Live |
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Track Listing of: "SAXON - The Eagle has Landed Live" |
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The Songs/tracks on "SAXON - The Eagle has Landed Live" are
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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 ).
"The Eagle Has Landed ( Canada )" Green Colour Capitol Record Label Details: CAPITOL Records SN-66180 ℗ 1982 Trigon Services 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.