SAVAGE - Loose 'N Lethal (1983) UK

EBONY RECORDS
Killer NWOBHM release, with one of the gnarliest distorted guitar tones on record, this one blasts by full-bore with every trademark of the time--proto-thrash riffing, power-metal clean vocals, punkish energy, and metal-to-the-core attitude (not to mention cover art)... The intro to Ain't No Fit Place clearly inspired Metallica, and the main riff is straight out early Def Leppard, and that galloping riff to The China Run evokes both UFO's Lights Out and Iron Maiden... This record was sadly the one overwhelming statement from these Brits, although they tried a few times to repeat it, and it was dead in the water in 1983 because of record label woes. In listening back, though, it should've been huge...
TRACKS:
1. Let It Loose 03:17
2. Cry Wolf 04:31
3. Berlin 04:46
4. Dirty Money 04:43
5. Ain't No Fit Place 05:35
6. On the Rocks 03:51
7. The China Run 04:07
8. White Hot 03:44

DOWNLOAD (mediafire)

SAMSON - Before The Storm (1982) UK

DOWNLOAD (rapidshare)
password: heavymetalbreed

SABRE - Roar To The Core (2005) UK

MAJESTIC ROCK RECORDS
This album "Roar to the Core" collects all of the band's demo recordings from the '78 to '82, the three song Neat session and some archivally important rehearsal recordings featuring future Lionheart vocalist Rob "Chad" Brown. The tracks is taken from: tracks 01-03 are from a September 1980 demo, tracks 04-07 are from a Janurary 1982 rehearsal and the tracks 08-10 are from a 1982 Neat recording session. SABRE formed in the early '80's in Croydon, South London. With a classic NWOBHM sound, the band was featured with "Cry To The Wind" on the "Leadweight" compilation and released the "Miracle Man" 7" single in 1983 via Neat Records too but nothing more was heard from them after this. However, enough material was recorded back in the day to make up "Roar To The Core", a 13 song compilation of the band's work which was released in 2005. The first three tracks are taken from the band s 1980 demo, featuring different versions of the two tracks later to appear on the 7" single plus "Can You Feel It?". The next four songs are from 1982, with singer Rob "Chad" Brown, who was later to achieve middling success with ex-IRON MAIDEN guitarist Dennis Stratton's band, LIONHEART. The sound on these four songs is raw as hell, but this merely adds to the period charm. Next are the three tracks from the Neat sessions prior to their contract with the legendarey label. As mentioned, "Miracle Man" and "On The Loose" made it on to their 7" single, while "Cry To The Wind", (the band's best track, a first-class NWOBHM tune), made it on to the "Leadweight" compilation. As a bonus, the album is completed by the three songs from the 1978 demo of SWITCHBACK, the outfit which preceded Sabre, and featured Geoff Gillespie and Allan Angold. Bassist Geoff Gillespie later carved out a career in the music industry, working for the likes of EastWest Records and Sony before he moved on to Zoom Club Records and the Majestic Rock concern.
TRACKS:
1. Miracle Man
2. Can You Feel It?
3. On the Loose
4. Sunken Ships
5. Fighting Talk
6. Wounded Heart
7. Red Light Lover
8. Miracle Man
9. On the Loose
10. Cry to the Wind
11. Wouldn't You Like to Know?
12. Kick Me When I'm Down

MP3@320 Kbps [MU]

SAVAGE - Hyperactive (1985) UK

1. We got the Edge 03:49
2. Eye for an Eye 04:09
3. Hard in your Heels 04:28
4. Blind Hunger 04:01
5. Gonna Tear ya Heart out 02:45
6. Stevies Vengeance 06:04
7. Cardiac 04:51
8. All Set to Sting 04:17
9. Keep it on the Ice 04:00
10. Runnin' Scared 03:40
11. She Didn't Need you 04:14
12. We Got the Edge (Single Version) 03:52

DOWNLOAD (rapidshare)
DOWNLOAD (megaupload)

STAGEFRIGHT - Stranger In The Night EP (1985) UK

From 1985, we're happy to present the "Stranger In The Night" EP from Midlands based NWOBHM band, STAGEFRIGHT. Released on the S.T.N. label, this is one highly collectible slab o' wax, highly rated by those in the know, and comparable to the likes of MENDES PREY. Melodic, but ballsy with great vocals and memorable hooks, this is a keeper!

DOWNLOAD

SLOWTRAIN - Ronnie 7" (1980) UK

We go waaay back to 1980 for the lone release from Slowtrain, the "Ronnie" 45 on Spirit Records. Sounds like they were influenced heavily by THIN LIZZY & WISHBONE ASH, as they go for the twin harmony leads quite a bit on the A-Side. The flip is more of a rocker, in a UFO style perhaps, nice stuff!

DOWNLOAD

BASHFUL ALLEY - Running Blind 7" (1982) UK

ELLIE JAY/GRAFFITI RECORDS
one of the classic singles from the NWOBHM; both songs represent melodic, straightforward numbers with hints of atmosphere and a nod to their precursors in the 1970s hard rock scene. This is especially evident on the excellent "Running Blind", with its strong songwriting and laid-back but tight sound. "My My My" is a more up-tempo rocker, but the formula isn’t varied that much. The end result is a great piece of NWOBHM that is similar to OMEN SEARCHER or perhaps a less energetic MYTHRA.
The single was pressed at least twice; the original version was done by the small and collectible Ellie Jay label, while the band later did a second pressing on their own Graffiti label in order to meet demand. Confusingly, the picture sleeve comes in three variants; the picture is the same but the paper color can be white, tan, or mustard yellow. Some sources (e.g., Malc Macmillan’s "The NWOBHM Encyclopedia") indicate that the first copies on Ellie Jay came in the white sleeve, and later copies came in the tan sleeve, while only the Graffiti pressing came in the yellow sleeve. However, I have seen copies that do not follow this pattern (e.g., the Graffiti pressing came in a tan sleeve while my Ellie Jay copy came in a yellow one). The white sleeve is the most hardest to find.
TRACKS:
1. Running Blind 04:26
2. My, My, My 04:55

MP3, CBR@320Kbps (RS)
password in comments

ALVERNA GUNN - Demo (1982) UK

SELF RELEASED
If Proof were needed that the NWOBHM was a nationwide movement and not one restricted to isolated 'hotbed' pockets, bands like Alverna Gunn - cropping up in the Metal desert of Lowestoft - seemed to confirm it.
This four-piece, named bizarrely after a former Cruft's champion, were never serious
contenders but like so many of the others, were good enough to have a high local profile and a promising demo under their belts.
The band has long since splintered but the driving force, drummer Paul Hale, (who long ago nearly joined Samson), has soldiered on with the Bash Street Kids, last year winning studio time in Rolling Stone Bill Wyman's nationwide talent search.
Further details on Alverna Gunn in Kerrang! issue 12's 'Armed & Ready' section...
TRACKS:
1. Mad Dog 04:25
2. East or West 03:28
3. Once Bitten, Twice Shy 03:24

DOWNLOAD(RS)

CRACKED MIRROR - Cracked Mirror (1983) UK

SELF RELEASED/PRIVATE PRESS
From England, East Sussex, formed in 1978. Cracked Mirror self release in 1983, their only album, an LP self-named. The album is extreme rare, prize today: 310$.
TRACKS:
1. On Fire 3:40
2. I Think You're Crazy 4:10
3. Waitin' For the Man 4:23
4. We Shall Not Forget 4:09
5. Changing Your Mind 4:28
6. Bombs Burst 4:52
7. Follow the Leader
8. Won't Ger Away With That 5:15
9. Old Rose 1:01

MP3@192Kbps (Megaupload)

HELLANBACH - Now Hear This (1983) UK

TRACKLIST:
Dancin'
Times Are Gettin Harder
Look At Me
All Systems Go
Maybe Tomorrow
Motivated By Desire
Taken By Surprise
Let's Get This Show On The Road
Kick It Out
All The Way
Everybody Wants To Be A Cat

DOWNLOAD

GEDDES AXE - Sharpen Your Wits 7" (1982) UK

STEEL CITY RECORDS
The single 7" from 1982 on their own Steel City Records label. An original slice of NWOBHM Rockin' Hard, this was their 2nd release, coming between the two EPs.
TRACKS:
1. Sharpen Your Wits 02:54
2. Rock And Roll Is The Way 02:45

LINK(rapidshare)

TYRANT - Demos (1982-84) UK

The Gloucestershire NWOBHM band Tyrant who released the rare & excellent "Hold Back The Lightning" 45 back in 1984. Members of the group came from bands as diverse as MAX HAVOC, CHINATOWN & WRATHCHILD and would go on to join TOKYO BLADE, and in the case of singer Mark Kelsa, briefly replace UDO in ACCEPT for a brief time in '84!

DOWNLOAD

DESOLATION ANGELS - Feels Like Thunder [BOX 4CD] (2008) UK

CYCLONE EMPIRE RECORDS
This 4CD box "Feel Like Thunder" is a superb collection: Disc 1: Studio Recordings, Disc 2: Demos, Disc 3+4: Live Recordings, contains all their official releases plus unreleased album "While The Flame Still Burns" Also offers tons of rare live material from 1983-1988. Desolation Angels, @Myspace. Labels: The Miskatonic Foundation, Cyclone Empire.
TRACKS:
Disc 1:
1. Only Time Will Tell
2. Soul Of The City
3. While The Flame Still Burns
4. I'm On Fire
5. Power Hungry
6. Wings On My Heels
7. Killer
8. Feels Like Thunder
9. Fury
10. Vision
11. Chainsaw
12. I Like It Heavy
13. Wild Gypsy Woman
14. Boadicea

Disc 2:
1. Fury
2. Edge Of Darkness
3. Dance Of The Demons
4. In The Machine
5. Hold On
6. Turn The Stone
7. Road Racing
8. Traveller
9. Save Our Souls
10. Far Cry To Nowhere
11. Satan's Child
12. Death Machine
13. Unsung Hero
14. All Hallows Eve
15. Scream All Night
16. When A World Dies
17. Naked Truth

Disc 3:
1. Spirit Of The Deep
2. Unsung Hero
3. Valhalla
4. Satan's Child
5. Hounds Of Hell
6. Running For Your Life
7. Death Machine
8. Angry Rain
9. Killer
10. Doomsday
11. I Just Wanna Be Free

Disc 4:
1. Fury
2. Valhalla
3. Black Heart
4. Scream All Night
5. Running For Your Life
6. Chainsaw
7. Dance Of The Demons
8. Death Or Glory
9. Evil Possessor
10. Written In Blood
11. Death Machine
12. God's Departure

RAPIDSHARE (MP3@320):
DISC 1 - DISC 2
DISC 3 - DISC 4

BITCHES SIN - Always Ready (For Love) 7'' (1981) UK

BITCHES SIN were blighted by an ever fluctuating line-up. An early incarnation of the group featured the Toomey brothers, drummer Bill Knowles, vocalist Alan Cockburn and bassist Pez and the band contributed the track "Down The Road" to the Neat "Leadweight" compilation tape in 1981. Both Cockburn and Pez would create Goldsmith for a 1982 single.
In its time BITCHES SIN has featured the likes of vocalist Tony Tomkinson, bassist Martin Owen and former CHAINSAW drummer Mark Biddiscombe. By 1986 BITCHES SIN comprised of vocalist Frank Quegan, guitarist Pete Toomey, bass player Mike Frazier and Bill Knowles on drums. However, in 1988 the Toomey brothers called a halt to proceedings and formed FLASH POINT, releasing a self financed album, "No Point Of Reference".
Biddiscombe later joined melodic Rock outfit TAPANZEE. Japanese Heavy Metal band Gorgon (Jpn) would cover "Ice Angels" for their 1996 EP entitled "Gorgon".

DOWNLOAD (mediafire)

JAMESON RAID - The Hypnotist EP (1980) UK

Jameson Raid's "The Hypnotist", a brilliant little four song EP from waaaay back in 1980. With a better production than on their debut EP, the songs get more of a chance to breathe here, the melodies which were buried slightly on "Seven Days Of Splendour", really get a chance to get under your skin this time 'round. The guitars are sharper, the drums heavier, their debut's promise more than fulfilled. Okay, the lyrical tack of "The Hypnotist" is a little silly, but it was a different era, and that's a small complaint when everything else about this record makes this almost the perfect example of NWOBHM.

DOWNLOAD HERE

DEEP SWITCH - Nine Inches Of God (UK-1986)

Switch Records

The acid-inspired melting nun uses Nine Inches of God! to put fire in the deacon's beacon. The Poor Bastard! hangs his head as The Poison Lake bursts its banks and Jesus flies from the nine-inch incremented cross. Harrold will never hear the screaming of the Time Machine pilot.

The Pigfeeder! runs to the office, runs to the grave but nothing can protect him from the chain that's lashing and the flashing winds of war that bring The Dark Angel.

Lovers of the Dream are engulfed in the flames of hell and ripped apart by horrible demons - but who cares about them when you're Spinning on the Wheel!?

DOWNLOAD HERE

HARRIER - Out On The Street EP (UK-1984)

Black Horse Records
Released as 12'' vinyl EP.

1.	Out On The Street	06:06
2.	Nickels And Dimes	04:10
3.	Shine On	09:40

DOWNLOAD HERE

PALI GAP - Under The Sun 7" (UK-1982)

The sole single from Pali Gap, "Under The Sun".

This is one of the finest records to emerge from the NWOBHM, but i'm afraid information on the band is almost non-existent. You need this, it's that straight forward.

DOWNLOAD HERE

JEDDAH - Eleanor Rigby 7" (UK-1983)

There have been some memorably odd Beatles cover versions over the years, but i can only think of one NWOBHM band who dared to deconstruct the "Fab" Four. The song in question was "Eleanor Rigby", the band was called Jeddah. Personally, i prefer the B-Side, "Ghosts", but then i never much cared for the Beatles in the first place. See what you think.

DOWNLOAD HERE

NIGHTIME FLYER - Out With A Vengeance (1979) UK

Single, Red Eye Records
Released as 7'' vinyl EP.
Bootleg released by Pheonix Records in '03, 250 copies on yellow wax.
www.metal-archives.com
TRACKS:
1. Out With A Vengeance
2. Heavy Metal Rules

MP3@320 Kbps [MU]

MEGATON - Aluminium Lady 7'' (UK-1981)

Londoners Megaton offer up their only hurrah, 1981's "Aluminium Lady" 7". "Aluminium Lady" by Megaton? Can you tell what this is gonna sound like? I think you can. It's that simple. Gawdblessem.

DOWNLOAD HERE

JJs POWERHOUSE - Running For The Line (UK-1983)

The tremendous JJs Powerhouse, and their "Running For The Line" 7" from 1983. I don't know too much about the band, although i believe their guitarist went on to join White Heat for their sole 7". The guitar player in question, JJ Cox, is the star of the show here, great stuff from the plank spanker all over these tracks.

DOWNLOAD HERE

BOLLWEEVIL - Rock Solid 7" (1981) UK

Single, Ellie Jay

www.metal-archives.com
TRACKS:
1. Rock Solid
2. Sands Of Time

MP3@320 Kbps [MU]

FIRECLOWN - Invasion EP (UK-1983)

Another nice little EP release now, this is Heavy Metal Thunder of the rarest order. The one & only release from Manchester's Fireclown was this self-financed 10" EP. Pyrotechnic guitar abounds with a nice thudding rhythm section which pummels home every note. You're left wondering how they came to sound so professional on what must have been a tiny budget, and how it's possible that all this promise went unrewarded.

DOWNLOAD HERE

GEDDES AXE - Return Of The Gods EP (1980) UK

A.C.S. RECORDS
Bootleg released by Phoenix NWOBHM in 2003 on Orange Vinyl limited to 250 copies.
TRACKS:
1. Return of the Gods 03:56
2. Wildfire 03:52
3. Aftermath 04:29

LINK(rapidshare)

CHEMICAL ALICE - Curiouser & Curiouser EP (UK-1981)

"Curiouser & Curiouser" EP from Chemical Alice. It's good proggy rock with some excellent psychedelic touches. Members of the band went on to record with Tamarisk, Quasar, Landmarq and Marillion. You'll never get it cheaper.

DOWNLOAD HERE

CHASAR - Chasar "aka" Gypsy Roller (Sco-1983)

Chasar were an excellent proggy NWOBHM band formed in Alloa in Scotland in 1981. Their only album was released initially on cassette only on their own label, before American Phonograph picked it up for a vinyl release. Mausoleum later reissued it as "Gypsy Roller". If you enjoyed the Limelight stuff i posted a while back, this is in a similar vein but heavier and more psychedelic. I was lucky enough to see them live at the 1987 Kelvingrove Festival in Glasgow, and they were a great live act. It's taken me the last 20 years to track down their album, it's great stuff, grab it now.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SHOCK TREATMENT - The Mugger 7'' (UK-1980)

Here's one that I could find nothing about, but really stood out as an original in a sea of sameness. This one was released in 1980 and is the (lone?) 7" from a cool band called Shock Treatment. A side is the Mugger and it's backed with Nuclear Warfare. Good one here.

DOWNLOAD HERE

STORMTROOPER - Pride Before A Fall 7" (1980) UK

DOWNLOAD HERE

ORE - Your Time Will Come 7'' (UK-1982)

Ore as one of the highlights of the 1982 Reading Festival.This was their only other release, their "Your Time Will Come" 7'' from that same year. That was the end of the road for Ore somehow, but they left us this corking single as a memento, and it's stood the test of time too, check out those gutbucket vocals.

DOWNLOAD HERE

TERRAPLANE - We Survive:The Anthology (UK-2005)

The precursor to Thunder, the group that brought you Backstreet Symphony, was Terraplane(vocalist Danny Bowes and guitarist Luke Morley were the crossovers). The band released two full-length records, 1985's Black & White, and 1987's Moving Target, before reorganizing themselves and turning into Thunder, a move that eventually brought them a lot more recognition and fans. However, it became hard to find these earlier Terraplane albums, and not until 1998 was Black & White reissued in the U.K.. In 2005 We Survive: Anthology finally came out, and it should appease all longings, as it contains not only Black & White and Moving Target (reissued for the first time) but also 15 bonus tracks (either in live, remixed, single form or previously unreleased). Terraplane's a little poppier than Thunder, but We Survive: Anthology is still a must-have for fans of NWOBHM.

CD 1: DOWNLOAD HERE

CD 2: DOWNLOAD HERE

TRIARCHY - Save The Khan 7" (1979) UK

SELF RELEASED
Debut album of TRIARCHY released as 7" vinyl. "Save The Khan", 500 original copies pressed, 1000 more without the sleeve released the following year on Direct/Neon Records.
A band like Triarchy definitely needs no long introduction on this site. They are a true N.W.O.B.H.M. legend in their own right. Due to their unique sound, incorporating heavy use of keyboards, the band from Kent has secured their very own place in Heavy Metal history. In 1979, Mike Wheeler (vocals, bass, keyboards), Graham Legg (guitars) and Mark Newbold (drums) released their debut single called "Save The Khan" (re-issued one year later), followed by the aptly titled "Metal Messiah" in 1980.
TRACKS:
1. Save The Khan 04:33
2. Juliet's Tomb 04:02

MP3@192(RAPIDSHARE)

GOLGOTHA - Dangerous Games EP (1984) UK

GOTH RECORDS

TRACKS:
1. Dangerous Games 05:50
2. Old Englands Green 04:21
3. Air
4. The Great Divide

rapidshare
mirror rapidshare
password in comments

CRYER - The Single 7" (1980) UK

Happy Face MM 124
Cryer were a NWoBHM band from Birmingham, England.
They released one single in 1980 and had a track on the famous "Brute Force" NWoBHM compilation.
TRACKS:
1. The Single
2. Hesitate

MP3@224 Kbps [MU]

ANNIVERSARY - Give Me A Smile EP (1978) UK

AERCO RECORDS
Early NWOBHM , this is the lone EP from Lancaster power trio Anniversary, "Give Me A Smile". This is much more in the 70's sounding Hard Rock bracket than most of what passed for NWOBHM, a sign that the band had been 'round the block a few times before they got to make their mark on vinyl perhaps? Really nicely constructed songs, tasteful guitars and memorable choruses were Anniversary's hallmarks, and there's nary a duff track among the four here. Sadly, they split in 1981, without recording a follow up. Oh what might have been.
(Review by www.liveandotherwise.blogspot.com)
TRACKS:
1. Give Me a Smile
2. Tales for a Tune
3. Prostitution
4. Excitement Overflow

MP3@320 Kbps [MU]

MAYHEM - Pulling Puppet Strings EP (UK-1983)

Mayhem were a NWOBHM/Punk crossover band from Southport who debuted with a 1981 demo then released three EPs in the early 1980's. The first, "Gentle Murder", was released by Riot City Records in 1982, which was followed by a further demo, the two song "1982 Demo". "Pulling Puppets Strings", was also released by Riot City in 1983. After some personnel changes "Bloodrush", was the final EP released by Vigilante Records in 1985. They also figured on various compilations, such as 1982's "Riotous Assembly", with the exclusive song "Psycho", and the 1984 international Maximum Rock'n'Roll collection "Welcome To 1984", with the exclusive song "I Defy".

DOWNLOAD HERE

EMERSON - Something Special 7" (UK-1984)

Emerson were a London based NWOBHM/Hard Rock five piece formed in 1982 and named after founding members & brothers Bri & Stu Emerson. The band's sound shifted from more straight forward heavy riffing during the next couple of years, with a more AOR influenced sound surfacing. Their only release was the 1984 "Something Special" 7" for Neat Records. The record didn't exactly set the charts alight, and following several personnel changes, they called it a day in 1985. Following the band's demise, two former EMERSON vocalists Steve Blewitt and his replacement, Mick White, later joined PAUL SAMSON's project. Blewitt, a former member of AXIS, walked out on EMPIRE prior to their first gig leaving the post vacant for White to fill.
Blewitt later changed his surname to Blue appearing on YA YA's second album. The singer also worked with former STAMPEDE/UFO guitarist LAWRENCE ARCHER on his "L.A. Secrets" album for Japan. Guitarist Stu Emerson himself was involved with the MEAT LOAF championed MRS. LOUD in 1995. Bassist Bri Emerson joined TYGER TYGER whilst latter day EMERSON drummer Charlie McKenzie (formerly of BLACK ROSE), enrolled into SAMSON.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SHADER - Bad News Blues 7" (UK-1981)

SHADER were a little known NWOBHM band active in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Their recording career only amounted to one independent 7" single. "Bad News Blues" was issued on the Piston Broke Records label in 1981. Though very popular with the biker fraternity at the time, very little info about them has survived.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SHE - Never Surrender 7" (UK-1985)

Newcastle based NWOBHM/Hard Rock quintet SHE was amongst a number of groups signed up by famed local independent label Neat Records. The group's sole release was this 1985 "Never Surrender" single which was produced by ex-TYGERS OF PAN TANG & PENETRATION guitarist Fred Purser and former VERITY & ARGENT man JOHN VERITY. No relation to the other UK band of the same name who featured future GIRLSCHOOL, ROCK GODDESS and ex-CANIS MAJOR members.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SHADOWFAX - The Russians Are Coming 7" (UK-1980)

Shadowfax were a short lived London based NWOBHM band. Their lone release, the highly regarded "The Russians Are Coming" 45, was a self-released affair on their own Risky records label. The single was only available at their gigs and via mail order from the band themselves.
It's become a cult collectors piece in recent years since the reevaluation of the NWOBHM. No relation to the Irish Thrash metal band.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SLADE - Alive At Reading '80 EP (UK-1980)

Partly due to changes in music trends, the advent of punk rock and New Wave music, and time spent away trying to break the USA, Slade's success had faded somewhat by the late 1970s, although the group continued to release records and several punk bands were not afraid to cite them as an influence. In August 1980, OZZY OSBOURNE pulled out of his slot at the Reading Festival with very short notice. Slade, who had all but disbanded, were recommended to replace them. A demoralised Dave Hill had effectively left the band and initially refused to do the show when asked by the other band members, but manager Chas Chandler convinced Hill to play what could very well have been their last ever live show in front of a huge crowd rather than in a small club. To Hill's utter astonishment, the band were incredibly well-received at the festival (highlights of their performance were also broadcast on BBC Radio 1's Friday Rock Show Reading special), stealing the show and quickly became darlings of the music press again despite doing nothing at all differently at Reading than they had done onstage in recent years. They also repeated the same trick at the following years Donington Festival on a bill topped by AC/DC. The six song "Alive At Reading" EP was released to capitalize on their triumphant return. A new run of chart success followed, though not quite on the huge scale of their 1970s heights, with several hit singles & albums on both sides of the Atlantic, a run which continued until Noddy Holder's retirement from music in 1991.

DOWNLOAD HERE

SPLITCROW - Rockstorm (UK-1984)

This is the "Rockstorm" album by Northumbrian band Splitcrow. Unlike most of their NWOBHM contemporaries, Splitcrow had a unique sound which drew heavily on the Blues and Southern Rock as well as the usual influences. On first listen you'd be hard pressed to guess that the band were English, sounding as if they'd misspent their youth in Louisiana honky tonks trying to talk Sally Mae into the back of their beat up pick up.
Released on the independent Guardian label, also home to MYTHRA, the album received rave reviews, with Kerrang! magazine calling it "the best album from a Brit band in 10 years", and singling out slide guitarist Johnny Dickinson for special praise. Rightly so, the fantastic slide playing all over this album is what gives it it's energy and signature sound, setting them apart from the pack. By 1986 however, Splitcrow were over, Dickinson moving on to play with the likes of THE MOONSHINE BOYS, PAUL LAMB & THE KINGSNAKES, before reinventing himself as an acoustic solo act, releasing his debut solo album “Castles & Old Kings” in 2001. His sound a mixture of Bluesy acoustic moods and ethereal Celtic folk.

DOWNLOAD HERE

PREYER - On The Prowl DEMO (UK-1985)

Welsh quartet Preyer. This is their first demo, "On The Prowl" from 1985, 3 excellent songs which again are heavily influenced by Brummie Metal Gods, JUDAS PRIEST.
They released a further demo before signing with Ebony Records who released their sole album, "Terminator", in 1986, which attracted good reviews and led to the band appearing twice on BBC TV's youth programme, "Juice". I love the raw sound of this one, the album being too polished for my tastes at the time, although i'd probably enjoy it now. As Kerrang! magazine said of them at the time, "Preyer provide a sharp kick in the kidneys", now how's that for a recommendation?

DOWNLOAD HERE

TORA TORA - Red Sun Setting 7" (UK-1980)

The "Red Sun Setting" 7" by Manchester based five piece Tora Tora. This was the first of three singles the band released between 1980 and 1987, but it's the only one to feature future DIO/AC-DC/TYTAN/AIIZ/RHINO BUCKET & UFO drummer Simon Wright, which may explain why it's become the most collectible of the three releases. Released on their own Mancunian Metal label, the 2 tracks here are typically cool vintage Brit Metal with Hard Rock hooks and great playing throughout. They really sound like contenders here. Nice stuff.

DOWNLOAD HERE

TANK - BBC Session (1981) UK

PRIVATE PRESS
Tommy Vance's BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock Show, way back in 1981. Official site: Tank Still At War, Official Tank-site @ MySpace, Tank @ Metalseek, Tank @ BNR Metal Pages, Tank @ Metal Archive.

DOWNLOAD HERE

LIMELIGHT - Metal Man 7" (UK-1980) / Ashes To Ashes 7" (UK-1982)

LIMELIGHT - Metal Man 7" (1980)

From the excellent Limelight, their debut album here a while back and you folks seemed to enjoy it's "classic-Rush-but-heavier" stylings, so here you go, have some more! "Metal Man" predates the LP, and is a different version from the one on the album. "Ashes To Ashes", was the last release from the band, with a 2nd LP in the can they were dropped by their label, and went their seperate ways never to be heard from again. Here's why they remain so highly regarded.

DOWNLOAD HERE


LIMELIGHT - Ashes To Ashes 7" (1982)

DOWNLOAD HERE