Saxon

Saxon formed in Barnsley, England in 1976, with Biff Byford on vocals, guitarists Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver, bassist Steve Dawson, and drummer Pete Gill. They were part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement that emerged in the late 1970s, playing straightforward, riff-heavy rock that connected with audiences looking for something more direct than the progressive or glam styles that were popular at the time.

Their 1980 album 'Wheels of Steel' became a breakthrough, with the title track and songs like 'Princess of the Night' and 'Heavy Metal Thunder' becoming staples of their live shows. The follow-ups 'Strong Arm of the Law' and 'Denim and Leather' arrived quickly, cementing their reputation as reliable hitmakers within the genre. They weren't reinventing the wheel, but they were good at writing memorable guitar hooks and anthemic choruses.

Byford has been the consistent presence through various lineup changes over the decades. The band continued recording and touring steadily, with albums like 'Power and the Glory' and 'Crusader' maintaining their core sound even as metal trends shifted around them. Songs like 'Machine Gun' and 'Big Twin Rolling (Coming Home)' show their preference for straightforward, driving rock themes about motorcycles, history, and metal itself.

They've kept at it well into the 2000s and 2010s, releasing new material every few years and playing festivals alongside bands they influenced. The music has remained essentially the same, big riffs, clear vocals, and songs built for loud playback.