Saxon is an English heavy metal band which formed in 1977 and released their self-titled debut album in 1979. As a leading group in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the group had huge success during the 1980s, scoring eight Top 40 albums, including four Top 10s. Saxon also had numerous singles reach the Top 20 charts.
From 1980 to 1987, Saxon was one of Europe's biggest metal acts, touring across Europe, and establishing strong fan bases in Japan and the United States at the same time. The group has been cited as an influence by other heavy metal bands, including Metallica, Megadeth and Sodom. Although their popularity has diminished somewhat, the group still tours regularly, drawing large crowds of fans to their shows.