Saxon rose to prominence as a leader of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late '70s, but faced setbacks due to internal issues and commercial struggles in the '80s. Despite these challenges, the band persevered and regained respect within the heavy metal community, especially in Europe. Saxon's early albums, like 'Wheels of Steel' and 'Denim and Leather,' solidified their place in metal history, but a decline in the mid-'80s led to a series of lackluster releases and lineup changes.
In the '90s, Saxon returned to their roots, producing strong material with albums like 'Forever Free' and 'Dogs of War,' regaining momentum and a loyal fanbase. The band continued to release albums and tour successfully, overcoming legal battles and lineup changes. With a resurgence in the 2000s, Saxon solidified their status as heavy metal veterans, releasing acclaimed albums like 'Sacrifice' and 'Thunderbolt,' showcasing their enduring commitment to the genre.