Formed in Yorkshire in 1976, Saxon achieved a major breakthrough during the boom
of so-called new wave British heavy metal in the 1980s. With their fierce,
uncompromising guitar-based rock, they sold over 13 million albums and
influenced others who followed in their wake, including Metallica and Megadeth.
Originally formed by singer Peter “Biff” Byford, bass player Steve Dawson,
drummer Pete Gill, and guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn—all of whom had
been veterans of other bands—they originally dubbed themselves Son of a Bitch.
They released their self-titled debut album in...