SAXON‘s 1979 self-titled debut album put them as pioneers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, and led to them becoming one of the most successful UK rock acts of all time. The truth, though, is that SAXON have always transcended trends and eras. Five Top 40 albums in the UK, with four Top 20 singles certainly justify their influence spread across the globe, playing a crucial role in the way we look at hard rock and heavy metal today. Their first three albums are soon to be released not just in CD media books with 24 page color booklets containing lyrics, rare photos and memorabilia, but also on color splatter/swirl vinyl. These new issues of the debut album plus 1980’s “Wheels of Steel” and the same year’s “Strong Arm of the Law” will come accompanied on CD with a selection of bonus tracks including demos, live tracks, alternate mixes and BBC Radio sessions.
Saxon – Saxon (CD – BMGCAT158CD / LP – BMGCAT158LP)
Saxon’s self-titled debut album was originally released on 21st May 1979 and is arguably the first NWOBHM album to be committed to tape. It took the new sound of NWOBHM and paired it up with their early progressive and glam rock influences. It was the band in their infancy but ultimately put them on the map as one of the bands spearheading the heavy metal revival that was sweeping the nation at that the end of the seventies. This version includes their early demo when the band were called Son Of A Bitch, some early BBC session tracks and some live songs from the inaugural Monsters of Rock festival.
Saxon – Wheels Of Steel (CD – BMGCAT159CD / LP – BMGCAT159LP)
Saxon’s second album, “Wheels Of Steel” was originally released in 1980 and propelled the band to stardom, going gold in the UK and spawning two top 40 singles – ‘747 (Strangers In The Night) and Wheels Of Steel’, which have remained live favorites to this day. Wheels Of Steel is hailed as a heavy metal classic and a genre defining moment. This version includes some rare demos and live tracks from the inaugural Monsters Of Rock festival, held at Castle Donington in 1980.
Saxon – Strong Arm Of The Law (CD – BMGCAT160CD / LP – BMGCAT160LP)
“Strong Arm of The Law” was originally released in 1980, a mere six months after Saxon’s second album Wheels Of Steel to capitalize on the bands roller-coaster success. Like its predecessor this album is heralded as a timeless, heavy metal classic and many of its songs remain live favorites today, over 30 years after its initial release. This version includes a BBC session, some remixes and an early demos.
You can pre-order the albums now from this location. Check out the short video teaser below.
