Saxon

Saxon's self-titled debut, released in 1979, serves as a foundational pillar of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). While the band would later achieve global fame with the refined speed of 'Wheels of Steel,' this debut captures them in a fascinating state of transition. The record is heavily indebted to 70s hard rock and even touches on progressive and psychedelic elements, particularly on tracks like 'Rainbow Theme' and 'Frozen Rainbow.' However, the blue-collar grit that would become their trademark is already fully formed in 'Stallions of the Highway,' a track that effectively blueprinted the 'biker metal' subgenre. Recorded at Trident Studios, the production is notably dry and analog, highlighting Biff Byford's early, more melodic vocal approach and the raw interplay of the Quinn/Oliver guitar duo. It remains a critical piece of metal history, bridging the gap between the heavy blues of the early 70s and the aggressive, streamlined metal of the 1980s.