Saxon's "The Eagle Has Landed" French release, a live heavy metal gem from 1981, encapsulates the band's peak performance during their world tour. Recorded in France, it captures the vibrant energy of the burgeoning metal scene. The 12" vinyl LP's production, blending raw live sounds with meticulous mastering, preserves the essence of the era. A cultural artifact, this release remains cherished for its musical prowess and historical significance.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
The Saxon live album, "The Eagle Has Landed," holds a special place in the annals of heavy metal history, capturing the essence of the band's electrifying performances during the 1981 United States leg of their world tour. As we delve into the significance of this release, let us explore not only the musical prowess exhibited by Saxon but also the broader cultural context of the time period and the intricacies of production that went into crafting this iconic 12" vinyl LP.
The early 1980s were a transformative era for the heavy metal genre, marked by the rise of numerous iconic bands and the consolidation of its distinctive sound. Saxon, hailing from the United Kingdom, was a formidable force in this movement. With their leather-clad image, powerful vocals, and intricate guitar work, the band quickly gained a dedicated fanbase.
"The Eagle Has Landed" emerged at a pivotal moment in Saxon's career, capturing the band at the peak of their live performance prowess. The year 1981 saw the heavy metal scene expanding its global reach, and Saxon's decision to record the album in France added a unique flair to its international appeal.
The live album format has always been a testament to a band's ability to connect with its audience, and "The Eagle Has Landed" excels in this regard. The raw energy and infectious enthusiasm of the crowd are palpable, creating an immersive experience for the listener. The choice to record in France not only speaks to the band's desire to reach a diverse audience but also adds a touch of European flavor to the album.
Production, a crucial aspect of any musical endeavor, played a pivotal role in bringing the live experience to the vinyl format. The analog nature of 12" vinyl LPs posed both challenges and opportunities. The warm, rich sound that vinyl is known for became a canvas for capturing the nuances of Saxon's performance. From the thunderous drumming to the soaring guitar solos, each element was carefully mixed and mastered to ensure a faithful representation of the live show.
The artwork and packaging of the French release further contribute to the album's allure. Often, the visual elements of a record are as important as the music itself. The cover art, liner notes, and overall design were crafted with a keen understanding of the aesthetic sensibilities of the time.
Album Production team:
Andy Lydon - Sound Engineer Stewart Eales - Sound Engineer George Bodnar (RIP 2011) - Photographer |
Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal |
Record Label & Catalognr: Carrere 67870 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1982 Made in France |
Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed |
|
Complete Track Listing of: "SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed" |
The Songs/tracks on "SAXON - The Eagle has Landed Live" are
|
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 Live (France)" Pink Colour Carrere Record Label Details: CARRERE 67870, SACEM France ℗ 1982 Carrere Sound Copyright
Saxon's 'Anthology,' a monumental compilation, emerged in the musical landscape of 1988. The British Heavy Metal icons unveiled this masterpiece as a 12" double LP, a testament to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era. The anthology encapsulates the band's prowess, offering an auditory journey
Anthology 12" Vinyl LPIn the mid-1980s, British heavy metal band Saxon released an extended 12" vinyl maxi-single featuring two tracks, "Back on the Streets (Extended Version)" and "Live Fast Die Young". This release aimed to capitalize on the success of their album "Innocence Is No Excuse" and further solidify their position
Back on the Streets 12" Vinyl MaxiSaxon's "Crusader," a hallmark of NWOBHM in 1984, exemplifies the genre's evolution. Produced by Kevin Beamish, known for his 1980s metal expertise, the 12" Gatefold vinyl offers a tactile journey. This album, a blend of anthems and experimentation, embodies the era's heavy metal spirit.
Crusader 12" Vinyl LPIn the early 1980s, amidst a burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, Saxon released their iconic album "Denim and Leather" on 12" vinyl LP. This album solidified their standing in the genre and became an anthem for the burgeoning heavy metal community.
Denim and Leather 12" Vinyl LPReleased 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
- The Eagle has Landed Live (1982, Canada) - The Eagle Has Landed Live (1982, France)Saxon's "Innocence Is No Excuse," a seminal British Heavy Metal masterpiece, emerged in 1985 as the band's seventh studio album. Marking their debut with EMI post a rift with Carrere Records, the LP showcases Saxon's resilience and evolution. Its tracks resonate with powerful guitar riffs and anthemic vocal
Innocence Is No Excuse 12" Vinyl LPThe late 1970s and early 1980s marked a pivotal moment in the history of heavy metal, giving rise to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This movement, characterized by a raw and energetic sound, emerged as a reaction to the perceived stagnation in the rock and metal scenes of the time.
Power and the Glory 12" Vinyl LPSaxon'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. The production quality at Hilversum elevated their raw sound, contributing to their status as NWOBHM
- Rock the Nations (1986, England) - Rock The Nations (1986, Germany)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 - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LPSAXON'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
Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits 12" Vinyl LPSaxon's 1980 album "Strong Arm of the Law," released on Carrere Records in France, encapsulates the dynamic early 1980s metal scene. A product of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the album's production on a 12" vinyl LP resonates with the era's analog warmth.
Strong Arm of the Law 12" Vinyl LPThe release of "Wheels of Steel" by the British Heavy Metal band SAXON in 1980 marked a significant moment in the history of the genre. This iconic album, recorded at Ramport Studios in London, UK, and produced by Pete Hinton and Saxon themselves, became a cornerstone in the metal landscape.
- Wheels of Steel (1980, England) - Wheels of Steels ( 1980, Europe ) - Wheels of Steel (1980, France) - Wheels of Steel (1980, USA)