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Saxon reissues continue with three more albums on July 27th

June 14, 2018 by David Vousden in Classic Rock, Deluxe Reissue, Hard Rock, Metal, News, Video, Vinyl

August 10th (please note new release date due to manufacturing issues) will see the release of the third wave of Saxon reissues with three more albums getting the deluxe media book/swirl vinyl treatment. The late 80's found Saxon in transition as the band line-up evolved and the 'Innocence Is No Excuse', 'Rock The Nations'  and 'Destiny' albums are now ripe for re-evaluation. Once again these releases benefit from deluxe media book packaging for the CDs and impressively colourful vinyl (check out 'Rock The Nations'). The CDs will feature a host of bonus tracks including B-sides, demo and live tracks. A little more about Saxon, pre order links and track listings follow:

Saxon, over the decades, have gone from being pioneers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal to becoming one of the most successful UK rock acts of all time. The truth, though, is that Saxon have always transcended trends and eras. From 1979's 'Saxon' album to new album ‘Thunderbolt’, the band have enjoyed considerable success. Five Top 40 albums in the UK, with four Top 20 singles. And they were similarly successful in other parts of the world as well. It's no wonder their influence spread across the globe, and played a crucial role in the way we look at hard rock and heavy metal today.

INNOCENCE IS NO EXCUSE

Originally released on 24th June 1985, Saxon seventh album ‘Innocence Is No Excuse’ was their first for then new label EMI after their departure from Carrere Records. This was also their last album to feature long standing bassist Steve Dawson, who alongside vocalist Biff Byford, guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn and drummer Nigel Glockler recorded the album at Union Studios in Munich, Germany with producer Simon Hanhart. It was subsequently mixed at Wiseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands. This version features the B-Sides of the singles ‘Back On The Streets’ and ‘Rock’n’roll Gypsy’ plus demo versions of tracks from the album recorded at Chapel Studio, Thorsby.

 

Tracklist:

1. Rockin’ Again

2. Call Of The Wild

3. Back On The Streets

4. Devil Rides Out

5. Rock N’Roll Gipsy

6. Broken Heroes

7. Gonna Shout

8. Everybody Up

9. Raise Some Hell

10. Give It Everything You’ve Got

CD Bonus Tracks

11. Live Fast, Die Young (B-side of ‘Back On The Streets’

12. Krakatoa (B-side of ‘Rock N’Roll Gipsy’)

13. Broken Heroes (Chapel Studio demo)

14. Devil Rides Out (Chapel Studio demo)

15. Rock N’Roll Gipsy (Chapel Studio demo)

16. Rockin’ Again (Chapel Studio demo)

17. Gonna Shout (Chapel Studio demo)

 

PRE-ORDER LINK - https://saxonband.lnk.to/IINE

 

ROCK THE NATIONS

On 13th October 1986 Saxon released their eighth studio album ‘Rock The Nations’. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum in the Netherlands by Gary Lyons. Biff Byford, who had incidentally begun his career as a singer/bassist, recorded all the bass parts on the album, however Paul Johnson is credited on the album as he joined before the album was released. Rock The Nations also features the unlikely guest of Elton John on piano on the tracks ‘Northern Lady’ and ‘Party Til You Puke’. This version features radio edits of the singles from the album, some live B-Sides and three songs recorded by the BBC from Saxon’s set at 1986’s, Reading Festival.

 

Tracklist:

1. Rock The Nations

2. Battle Cry

3. Waiting For The Night

4. We Came Here To Rock

5. You Ain’t No Angel

6. Running Hot

7. Party Til You Puke

8. Empty Promises

9. Northern Lady

CD Bonus Tracks

10. Chase The Fade (B-side of ‘Waiting For The Night’)

11. Waiting For The Night (7” single edit)

12. Northern Lady (7” single edit)

13. Everybody Up (Live in Madrid, B-side of ‘Northern Lady’)

14. Dallas 1pm (Live in Madrid, B-side of ‘Northern Lady’)

15. Power & The Glory (BBC Live At Reading Festival ’86)

16. Rock The Nations (BBC Live At Reading Festival ’86)

17. Waiting For The Night (BBC Live At Reading Festival ’86)

 

PRE-ORDER LINK - https://saxonband.lnk.to/RockTheNations

 

DESTINY

Saxon’s ninth studio album, ‘Destiny’ was originally released on 20th June 1988 and was produced by Stephan Galfas at Hook And Manor studio in Berkshire, England. It is the only album to feature the rhythm section of Nigel Durham (drums) and Paul Johnson (bass) alongside long serving members Biff Byford (vocals), Graham Oliver (guitar) and Paul Quinn (guitar). Being a fan of Christopher Cross’ song writing, Biff came up with the idea of covering his track ‘Ride Like The Wind’ as the albums lead single, after giving it a ‘Wheels Of Steel’ style makeover. This version includes a 12” mix of ‘I Can'’t Wait Anymore’ plus live B-Sides and some alternative monitor mixes...

 

Tracklist:

1. Ride Like The Wind

2. Where The Lightning Strikes

3. I Can’t Wait Anymore

4. Calm Before The Storm

5. S.O.S.

6. Song For Emma

7. For Whom The Bell Tolls

8. We Are Strong

9. Jericho Siren

10. Red Alert

CD Bonus Tracks

11. I Can’t Wait Anymore (12 mix)

12. Rock The Nations (Live At Hammersmith, B-side of ‘Ride Like The Wind’)

13. Broken Heroes (Live In Madrid, B-side of ‘I Can’t Wait Anymore’)

14. Gonna Shout (Live In Madrid, B-side of ‘I Can’t Wait Anymore’)

15. Ride Like The Wind (Monitor mix)

16. For Whom The Bells Tolls (Monitor mix)

 

PRE-ORDER LINK - https://saxonband.lnk.to/Destiny

 

RGM reviews of the first six albums in the series:
Saxon - 2018 Album Reissues (Album Reviews)
Jun 12, 2018
Saxon - 2018 Album Reissues (Album Reviews)
Jun 12, 2018

With their recently released ‘Thunderbolt’ album garnering universally great reviews and a typically busy touring schedule, including special guest status on the USA leg of the Judas Priest ‘Firepower’ tour, 2018 is shaping up very well indeed for Barnsley’s finest Saxon. The NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) legends have been cranking out their brand of heavy metal / hard rock for 40+ years and show no signs of slowing down. An ideal time then for a look back at the roots of the band as their catalogue gets a welcome reissue via Union Square Music / BMG. The band’s first six albums have been reissued in 24-page media book CD packaging or, if you prefer, rather fetching coloured splatter/swirl vinyl in keeping with each album’s primary colour scheme. The vinyl pressings look especially cool and scream collector’s item.

Read More →
Jun 12, 2018
June 14, 2018 /David Vousden
Saxon, Heavy Metal, NWOBHM
Classic Rock, Deluxe Reissue, Hard Rock, Metal, News, Video, Vinyl
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