In the late 1970s, a new wave of heavy metal began rising in the UK, reshaping the rock landscape. At the heart of this movement was the band Saxon, one of the leading lights of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Their early years laid the groundwork for a legacy that still resonates with metal fans today.
How Saxon Was Formed
Saxon’s origins trace back to Barnsley, South Yorkshire, where the band began under the name Son of a Bitch in 1975. They spent a few years honing their craft playing a harder style of blues based rock. This early version of the band included key members such as vocalist Biff Byford, guitarist Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson, and drummer Pete Gill.
In 1978, the group rebranded as Saxon to improve their commercial appeal. They added guitarist Graham Oliver, creating a powerful twin-guitar dynamic that would become a signature of their sound. With influences from Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, Saxon embraced a harder, more aggressive style of metal.
Saxon and the Rise of NWOBHM
As punk rock peaked, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal emerged as a powerful force. Saxon, along with Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, were at the forefront. In 1979, Saxon signed with Carrere Records and released their debut album, Saxon. Though modest in sales, and if we’re being brutally honest, a little underdone in the opinion of this blogger, it established their name and earned them a cult following with tracks like “Backs to the Wall” and “Stallions of the Highway.”
Breakthrough Albums: Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm of the Law
The year 1980 was where it all started to click for Saxon released two iconic albums: Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm of the Law. Wheels of Steel featured hits like “Motorcycle Man,” “747 (Strangers in the Night),” and the title track. It reached the UK Top 10 and solidified Saxon’s status in the heavy metal scene. This is something that we need to note is that Saxon were punching right there with Iron Maiden and Def Leppard early on charting on the mainstream charts and well outselling bands like Motorhead and Venom.
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For a more complete review of Saxons’ album Wheels of Steel be sure to read our review here |
Strong Arm of the Law continued their momentum with politically charged themes and powerful riffs. Songs like “Dallas 1 PM” and the title track showed their willingness to explore deeper topics.
Live Shows and Fan Connection
Saxon’s early success was fuelled by their energetic live performances. Known for powerful vocals, dual guitar solos, and a no-frills approach, Saxon quickly earned a reputation as a must-see live band. Frontman Biff Byford’s connection with fans helped build a loyal following across the UK and Europe.
Unlike many rock stars of the time, Saxon maintained a relatable, working-class image. This authenticity made them icons of the NWOBHM movement and helped them stand out in a growing metal scene.
Legacy of Saxon’s Early Years
With the release of Denim and Leather in 1981, Saxon cemented their place in metal history. The album included fan favorites like “Princess of the Night” and “Denim and Leather,” paying tribute to their fans and the metal community.
Saxon’s early albums continue to influence bands around the world. From Metallica to Megadeth, their raw sound and anthemic songs helped shape the future of heavy metal. Today, the band’s early work is considered classic NWOBHM and a benchmark for authenticity in the genre.