SAXON rock the nations EMS-91192

The Americanized Era: Saxon’s ‘Rock The Nations’ Promo (EMS-91192)

Today’s entry looks at a polarizing yet fascinating chapter in the history of these NWOBHM legends. We are examining the 1986 Japanese White Label Promo pressing of Rock The Nations by Saxon, released on the EMI label with the catalog number EMS-91192.

Polished Steel and Surprise Guests

Released on October 13, 1986, Rock The Nations continued the band’s push toward a more radio-friendly, Americanized sound that began with their previous album, Innocence Is No Excuse. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands by producer Gary Lyons, the album offers a refined production style. Notable tracks include the dynamic “Battle Cry” and the band’s foray into power ballads with “Northern Lady.”

Production trivia makes this album particularly interesting for collectors: frontman Biff Byford actually recorded all the bass parts himself, although new member Paul Johnson is credited on the sleeve. Furthermore, the album features a surprising guest appearance by Elton John, who plays piano on “Party Til You Puke” and “Northern Lady.”

Exclusive White Label Promo

This specific copy is a highly collectible Promo Sample. Unlike the standard commercial releases, the vinyl disc bears the clean, text-only White Labels with the Japanese characters for “Sample (Not For Sale).” These promotional copies were originally distributed to radio stations and industry critics and are often sought after for their superior audio fidelity. A numbered “Sample” sticker is also affixed to the rear cover. Manufactured by Toshiba EMI, the package is complete with the original Obi strip and a lyric insert, making it a pristine document of Saxon’s commercial era.