Artist: Grim Reaper Title: “See You In Hell” @ Thirty Years Label: Ebony Records Release Date: 7/13/1984 Genre: Heavy Metal
“Can I Make You An Offer….You Can’t Refuuuuuuuuuussse!!!!!!” was the first resounding line that Steve Grimmett hit your ears with like a shrieking banshee after the thunderous drums intro that propelled the riff of guitarist Nick Bowcott. This was many Metal fans introduction into the world of the NWOBHM band Grim Reaper who celebrate the thirty year milestone of their debut album “See You In Hell” today. My own first go at the band came care of what I recalled as being via a promotional flexi disc that was in one of the Metal magazines that I read back in 1984. Yep, I remember when it was new to the ears of most fans I must admit and while this was the only track on the disc I played it to death. I even did my best at learning the tune on the drums since I was heavily into exploring my own musicianship at the time as well. It surely was an exciting track and a great way to snare an audience that was now heavily into Judas Priest and Iron Maiden at the time and keeping an open ear for new and thrilling bands. Continue reading Grim Reaper’s “See You In Hell” @ Thirty Years→
It’s time to get our NWOBHM on with Episode 4 of VH1 Classic’s documentary hit “Metal Evolution”. The series that was the product of the creative Sam Dunn reaches its fourth installment this evening and its going to be a great one. Take a look.
In This Episode: After the early metal bands Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Judas Priest had become household names for headbangers, the next major music scene in the UK to emerge was punk in the mid 1970’s. This was nothing metal fans wanted to associate with, yet there was still a small but faithful following of the underground metal scene. The movement began to grow and was spearheaded by the likes of Motörhead, Diamond Head and gained even more momentum when Iron Maiden began packing local clubs and later went on to sell millions of albums. The media and record labels could no longer ignore these bands and this became a major force in music that had to be reckoned with and was dubbed as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Other notable acts which were part of this included Saxon, Tygers of Pan Tang, Angel Witch, Raven and Praying Mantis. The candle of NWOBHM began to flicker with the emergence of the glam band scene in the US although Def Leppard thrived in this environment as they had diverged into a more mainstream radio-friendly sound. However, it had a major effect on another movement in heavy metal music that was developing across the sea: Thrash. (taken from Wikipedia).
To say that my own record collection (yes and I mean “record collection”) is loaded with Metal music from this particular phase of the genre is an understatement so I am super excited to see how this part is presented to today’s Metal fan and of course folks like myself. You younger fans should definitely look into some of the bands referenced in the premise and of course after you hear them speak on the show. Wow just reading this brings back memories and I am happy to say that a number of these groups are still active. I’ll be enjoying this episode as it airs since I am going to be home tonight. Last evening I caught the crushing set by A Pale Horse Named Death down at The Studio at Webster Hall and wow was that good. It of course left my head ringing but that is part of what a Metal show is about. How psyched are you readers for this particular episode?
Below you can find my widget to several other documentaries about the stuff we love and that come as high recommendations from me. I hope you have begun to look into them because this is the fourth chapter where I have shared this information. Ciao for now.
Artist: Diamondhead Venue: B.B. King Blues Club (New York, NY) Opener: Shitkill, Livesay Date: 9/1/2011 Label: Independent Artist
A few months ago there was a reasonable buzz hitting The Metal Republic about a tour that was listed as being the NWOBHM Tour (or the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal tour for those who don’t yet know the acronym for some reason). This event was originally set to feature singer Al Atkins (who was the original voice behind a pre-signed Judas Priest), Girlschool and Diamond Head. Now many felt this tour would sell out immediately based on Diamond Head having never been on these shores before during the course of their career and to my knowledge Atkins had never performed here either. I will admit that I was not clear about when the last time Girlschool played around these parts but soon it would not matter as Girlschool and Atkins pulled out of the event and the larger tour was cancelled in full which disappointed many of the fans that had already purchased tickets. Soon enough a booking was made for Diamond Head alone at the Metal home away from home that we have here on PiercingMetal.com (B.B. King’s for those not paying attention) and this regional show would feature local support from Livesay and Shitkill. Sadly, my early evening activities prevented me from seeing both of the local openers but I know that they would be back around soon enough and sometimes I just have the time and Metal energy for the headlining act to get the best possible scoop so here is how the Diamond Head part of the night went. Continue reading Diamond Head @ B.B. King Blues Club (9/1/2011)→
Artist: Saxon Title: “The Eagle Has Landed III” Label: SPV Records Release Date: 7/27/2006 Style: Heavy Metal Rating: 4/5
Saxon was one of front line leaders when The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal began and since their formation in 1976 have been holding the banner high as they can in delivering consistent levels of quality with their Metal. With the third chapter in their “Eagle Has Landed” ready for consumption they have shown that they don’t follow the standards as much as set them. This CD is packed with classic material both old and new and was recorded over a span of shows that were held during 2004-2005. It was recorded at numerous locations as well and gives the listener music from Stockholm, Berlin, Nurnberg, Fulda, Wacken Open Air, Paris, London, and Kiel. Despite their influences on the genre, Saxon was always a band that found larger acceptance in Europe than it ever managed to generate in the States. Collections like this one allow that fan base to catch up a little more and see what they are missing, because when it comes down to it the members of Saxon bring Old School Metal to the table like no others. Their sound is a mix of timeless classic and it has held true for decades. Continue reading “The Eagle Has Landed III” by Saxon→
Artist: Grim Reaper Title: “See You In Hell” (Remaster) Label: Spitfire Records Release Date: 10/3/2000 Genre: Heavy Metal Rating: 3/5
Re-issuing many “blasts from the past” was par for the course when Spitfire Records was in their early years. In many cases, this was a great thing as without their help so many of these classic albums in the Heavy Metal genre would never have found their way to a CD. One of these classics is the debut release by “Grim Reaper” whose signature song is the very title of this album itself. Despite having released several albums over the course of their career this is the one that is the fan favorite. “See You In Hell” was indeed a killer track but in all honesty, so much of the bands repertoire was very similar when taking the time to compare them track for track. The lineup when they first appeared in 1984 would consist of Steve Grimmett (vocals), Nick Bowcott (guitar), Lee Hams (drums) and Dave Wanklin (bass). Grimmett while able to scream like a banshee would use many of the same screams on every track recorded and while originally ahead of what was going on in the NWOBHM, it would come off as repetitive in some cases. The rather fun historical listen of this Molten Metal piece has highlights in “Run For Your Life” and “Wrath Of The Ripper” but overall is a bit cliché when one views the band against the groups forming around the same time and afterwards. If you want some bare bones and hard knuckled Metal then this is a solid deal but do not expect anything mind-blowing to come of it. From a historical sense, this is a nice find and should prompt moderate levels of head banging. Bowcott reformed the band with a completely different line-up in 2006 and tours on occasion. See you in Hell my friends. Continue reading “See You In Hell” (Remaster) by Grim Reaper→
