10 Reasons Why The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Was So Influential

3. The Mighty Saxon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwKRyizwEKo Saxon may have formed in 1976 but they belong to the NWOBHM movement and are one of the genres greatest success stories. One of the major players in the scene they hit like an atomic bomb in 1980 when second album Wheels of Steel was released. They went on to have eight UK Top 40 albums in the 1980s and massive chart success all over Europe and Japan, as well as achieving success in the US, an achievement that was practically impossible for most British bands of the era. The most impressive thing about Saxon is that they seem to show no signs of stopping and the quality of their material has rarely dipped. The band still tours regularly and records regularly; releasing 5 virtually flawless albums in the last ten years alone. In fact, it could be argued that the band are in the form of their life. The albums Lionheart (2004), The Inner Sanctum (2007), Into the Labyrinth (2009), Call to Arms (2011) and Sacrifice (2013) are modern Metal masterclasses, the band tapping into a well of creativity which appears to be bottomless. Iron Maiden and Judas Priest aside, Saxon appear to have outlived all other NWOBHM bands and are an influence on any band looking for a career with longevity and uncompromising commitment. Saxon are true survivors of the NWOBHM and are one of the few truly classic metal acts still in existence and operating at the top of their game. In an age when every NWOBHM band appears to be riding the comeback trail, re-forming, re-recording old songs and re-releasing old albums, Saxon stand proud as a band who have no need to re-live the glory days; they're still living 'em!