THE DONKEY PUNCH
Well, here we go again. Tonight's post sandwiches 5 great pieces of NWOBHM from 1980-1985, between two obscure jewels of US Hard Rock, plenty of good stuff for you to sink your teeth into.
Up first, the sole 1980 album by Pennsylvanian Hard Rock quartet Full Moon. Self-titled upon it's original vinyl release, this is a rip of the (now out of print), remastered Monster Records cd reissue, which added 5 bonus tracks and changed the title to "State Of The Artist". Musically, fans of THIN LIZZY's trademark twin harmony leads will find much to enjoy here, courtesy of guitarist brothers Joseph & John Fischer who really set the bands material apart with their inventive playing. Fans of UFO will also surely enjoy the bands catchy choruses, reminding me occasionally of early Y&T. And yes, the bonus tracks include both sides of their 1981 single too, so this really is the complete package. A long overdue request finally filled, enjoy!
FULL MOON - State Of The Artist (1980) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/91017575/FULL_MOON_-_State_Of_The_Artist__USA-1980_.rar
Some of you may be familiar with the work of Teeside band Millenium from their two songs on the 1983 Guardian Records compilation LP, "Pure Overkill", i'm betting far fewer of you know their sole, self-titled 1984 album. This is some fine sturdy working class British Metal which may have done better at the time had Guardian not been teetering on the brink of collapse at the time of it's release. Undettered by their label going belly up, Millenium recorded a follow up album at their own expense, but were unable to secure a new deal for it's release. Recording further demos in '86 & '87, Millenium sadly remained unsigned, calling it quits in late 1987.
Singer Mark Duffy eventually reappeared with Brit Thrash band TORANAGA, releasing 2 albums & an EP, later forming X-SEED who released the "Desolation" album in 1996.
"Millenium"'s stand out track, "The Devil Rides Out" makes this one worth the d/l all by itself.
MILLENIUM - Millenium (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87640039/MILLENIUM_-_Millennium__UK-1984_.rar
Next, an archival release which collects the 1980 & '81 output of Mansfield's Sparta. Despite only releasing two 45s and having a track on the "Scene Of The Crime" compilation, the band soldiered on until 1992 in various guises whilst their back catalogue became sought after NWOBHM must haves. In 2006 High Roller Records released this compilation of the bands early material in a limited vinyl run of only 500 copies. Needless to say, all 500 copies disappeared very quickly, so enjoy this nice vinyl rip and relive those glory days of the early '80's at ear scuffing volume.
SPARTA - Sparta (1980/81) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87715609/SPARTA_-_Sparta__UK-1980-81_.rar
Another band who laboured away in relative obscurity at the time, but who are now held in high esteem by conniseurs of the movement are Welsh quintet Stormqueen. This is the Barry based band's first demo which is also sometimes referred to as the "Battle Of Britain " demo, after it's bombastic opening track. Four top notch rockin' tunes here complete with all the "period charm" essential to the enjoyment of such treats. If you enjoy this one, search out their "Come Silent The World" 7", which you'll find in the archives here.
STORMQUEEN - 1st Demo (aka "Battle Of Britain" Demo) (1980) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/88447445/STORMQUEEN_-_1st_Demo__Battle_Of_Britain___UK_-_1980_.rar
Don't know much about the background to this next one, this is the self-released "Burnin' White Hot" EP by Damacles from 1985. Four rockin' tracks which occasionally remind me of the heavier tracks on ROX's "Violent Breed" LP. There is a slightly glam edge to some of the choruses which ensure that they stay glued to the inside of your head for days at a time, but the delivery is, rest assured, far more balls out than that of the glitter & hairspray brigade. Ann odd mix, but it works!
DAMACLES - Burnin' White Hot EP (1985) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87439504/DAMACLES_-_Burnin__White_Hot_EP__UK-1985_.rar
This next one is another personal favourite of mine, the "Devil Takes The High Road" EP by Traitors Gate also from '85. Just look at their name, "Traitor's Gate", it's a quintissential NWOBHM monicker, you know this one's gonna deliver before you've even slid the vinyl out of the sleeve. And deliver it does. Also from Wales, the Rhondda Valley quartet had released two demos prior to this record, which had interested French label Bullet Records. With the ink barely dry on the contract, Bullet released the newly recorded EP to excellent reviews in the Metal press, especially in continental Europe, and things were really looking up for Traitors Gate. However, no sooner had the record hit the shelves than the shit hit the fan, Bullet declaring bankruptcy, leaving their latest signings high & dry.
Traitors Gate knocked it on the head shortly thereafter.
Only bassist Steve Colley appears to have carried on playing music professionally after the bands demise, surfacing a few years later as a member of AOR influenced Hard Rockers KOOGA, who released the well received "Across The Water" album.
Oh, what might have been.
TRAITORS GATE - Devil Takes The High Road EP (1985) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87434385/TRAITORS_GATE_-_Devil_Takes_The_High_Road_EP__UK-1985_.rar
Finally tonight, a meeting of Metallic minds which you were never supposed to hear. This is a rare Riot bootleg 7", recorded in 1993. The two tracks here were recorded during demo sessions for the band's "Nightbreaker" album, but finding themselves without a singer, guitarist Mark Reale asked old friend and JAG PANZER/TITAN FORCE vocalist HARRY "The Tyrant" CONKLIN to fill in for the recordings. These tracks show us what might have been had throat problems not forced Conklin out of the band back in 1984 after a shortlived assosciation, leaving the door open for RHETT FORRESTER to rejoin in time for "Born In America"'s recording. The two songs here were rerecorded for the "Nightbreaker" album, with new vocalist Mike DiMeo, but these harder arrangements with Conklin's awesome voice atop are a tantalizing glimpse into a "what if" scenario, that makes you wish that things had worked out differently way back when. A real treat.
RIOT - The Tyrant Sessions 7" (1993) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/87431924/RIOT_-_The_Tyrant_Sessions_7____USA-1993_.rar
Thanks for all the interesting comments of late, i'm taking note of those "wants" and where possible i'll be filling them in the fullness of time. Also, i was interested to read the comment about those "Borderline NWOBHM" releases, i've got a few of those in the pipeline for tjose of you who enjoy that type of thing. You'll find them here, soon. Best wishes to you all, and i hope you enjoy tonight's selection.
Up first, the sole 1980 album by Pennsylvanian Hard Rock quartet Full Moon. Self-titled upon it's original vinyl release, this is a rip of the (now out of print), remastered Monster Records cd reissue, which added 5 bonus tracks and changed the title to "State Of The Artist". Musically, fans of THIN LIZZY's trademark twin harmony leads will find much to enjoy here, courtesy of guitarist brothers Joseph & John Fischer who really set the bands material apart with their inventive playing. Fans of UFO will also surely enjoy the bands catchy choruses, reminding me occasionally of early Y&T. And yes, the bonus tracks include both sides of their 1981 single too, so this really is the complete package. A long overdue request finally filled, enjoy!
FULL MOON - State Of The Artist (1980) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/91017575/FULL_MOON_-_State_Of_The_Artist__USA-1980_.rarSome of you may be familiar with the work of Teeside band Millenium from their two songs on the 1983 Guardian Records compilation LP, "Pure Overkill", i'm betting far fewer of you know their sole, self-titled 1984 album. This is some fine sturdy working class British Metal which may have done better at the time had Guardian not been teetering on the brink of collapse at the time of it's release. Undettered by their label going belly up, Millenium recorded a follow up album at their own expense, but were unable to secure a new deal for it's release. Recording further demos in '86 & '87, Millenium sadly remained unsigned, calling it quits in late 1987.
Singer Mark Duffy eventually reappeared with Brit Thrash band TORANAGA, releasing 2 albums & an EP, later forming X-SEED who released the "Desolation" album in 1996.
"Millenium"'s stand out track, "The Devil Rides Out" makes this one worth the d/l all by itself.
MILLENIUM - Millenium (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87640039/MILLENIUM_-_Millennium__UK-1984_.rarNext, an archival release which collects the 1980 & '81 output of Mansfield's Sparta. Despite only releasing two 45s and having a track on the "Scene Of The Crime" compilation, the band soldiered on until 1992 in various guises whilst their back catalogue became sought after NWOBHM must haves. In 2006 High Roller Records released this compilation of the bands early material in a limited vinyl run of only 500 copies. Needless to say, all 500 copies disappeared very quickly, so enjoy this nice vinyl rip and relive those glory days of the early '80's at ear scuffing volume.
SPARTA - Sparta (1980/81) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87715609/SPARTA_-_Sparta__UK-1980-81_.rarAnother band who laboured away in relative obscurity at the time, but who are now held in high esteem by conniseurs of the movement are Welsh quintet Stormqueen. This is the Barry based band's first demo which is also sometimes referred to as the "Battle Of Britain " demo, after it's bombastic opening track. Four top notch rockin' tunes here complete with all the "period charm" essential to the enjoyment of such treats. If you enjoy this one, search out their "Come Silent The World" 7", which you'll find in the archives here.
STORMQUEEN - 1st Demo (aka "Battle Of Britain" Demo) (1980) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/88447445/STORMQUEEN_-_1st_Demo__Battle_Of_Britain___UK_-_1980_.rarDon't know much about the background to this next one, this is the self-released "Burnin' White Hot" EP by Damacles from 1985. Four rockin' tracks which occasionally remind me of the heavier tracks on ROX's "Violent Breed" LP. There is a slightly glam edge to some of the choruses which ensure that they stay glued to the inside of your head for days at a time, but the delivery is, rest assured, far more balls out than that of the glitter & hairspray brigade. Ann odd mix, but it works!
DAMACLES - Burnin' White Hot EP (1985) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87439504/DAMACLES_-_Burnin__White_Hot_EP__UK-1985_.rarThis next one is another personal favourite of mine, the "Devil Takes The High Road" EP by Traitors Gate also from '85. Just look at their name, "Traitor's Gate", it's a quintissential NWOBHM monicker, you know this one's gonna deliver before you've even slid the vinyl out of the sleeve. And deliver it does. Also from Wales, the Rhondda Valley quartet had released two demos prior to this record, which had interested French label Bullet Records. With the ink barely dry on the contract, Bullet released the newly recorded EP to excellent reviews in the Metal press, especially in continental Europe, and things were really looking up for Traitors Gate. However, no sooner had the record hit the shelves than the shit hit the fan, Bullet declaring bankruptcy, leaving their latest signings high & dry.
Traitors Gate knocked it on the head shortly thereafter.
Only bassist Steve Colley appears to have carried on playing music professionally after the bands demise, surfacing a few years later as a member of AOR influenced Hard Rockers KOOGA, who released the well received "Across The Water" album.
Oh, what might have been.
TRAITORS GATE - Devil Takes The High Road EP (1985) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/87434385/TRAITORS_GATE_-_Devil_Takes_The_High_Road_EP__UK-1985_.rarFinally tonight, a meeting of Metallic minds which you were never supposed to hear. This is a rare Riot bootleg 7", recorded in 1993. The two tracks here were recorded during demo sessions for the band's "Nightbreaker" album, but finding themselves without a singer, guitarist Mark Reale asked old friend and JAG PANZER/TITAN FORCE vocalist HARRY "The Tyrant" CONKLIN to fill in for the recordings. These tracks show us what might have been had throat problems not forced Conklin out of the band back in 1984 after a shortlived assosciation, leaving the door open for RHETT FORRESTER to rejoin in time for "Born In America"'s recording. The two songs here were rerecorded for the "Nightbreaker" album, with new vocalist Mike DiMeo, but these harder arrangements with Conklin's awesome voice atop are a tantalizing glimpse into a "what if" scenario, that makes you wish that things had worked out differently way back when. A real treat.
RIOT - The Tyrant Sessions 7" (1993) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/87431924/RIOT_-_The_Tyrant_Sessions_7____USA-1993_.rarThanks for all the interesting comments of late, i'm taking note of those "wants" and where possible i'll be filling them in the fullness of time. Also, i was interested to read the comment about those "Borderline NWOBHM" releases, i've got a few of those in the pipeline for tjose of you who enjoy that type of thing. You'll find them here, soon. Best wishes to you all, and i hope you enjoy tonight's selection.
posted by bigfootkit at 5:04 PM
14 Comments:
A great set even by your standards! Traitors Gate has been one of my top vinyl wants for about 5 years, ever since I got a cdr copy in a trade. I saw that Riot single for sale recently but couldn't secure it, so it put a huge smile on my face to see that I can now hear it (incredible band w/ a long list of talented vocalists). All the other stuff sounds interesting too, well, except Stormqueen; I already have that demo and honestly they've never been a personal favorite, but I bet several other people will be very happy to see it available here.
Excellent work! I tip my hat to you sir!
I like Full Moon. They have certainly been influenced by bands like UFO and Thin Lizzy.
Thanks.
Simply many thanks.
Thanks so much. I think I saw Full Moon in the Spring of 82 but they were named Gimme Some Roy. The picture on the cover is the exact same band that I remember. Anyway, thanks again and I cant wait to hear it.
SB
Excellent NWOBHM again. Millennium, Sparta and Stormqueen (singer's not so great, but listen to those solo's!), I like them a lot!
Thanks you very much!
Danny
Thanks! As always top, top notch! Love Full Moon! Excited to check out some upcoming "borderline" NWOBHM!
To my knowledge, FULL MOON never played under the name 'Gimme Some Roy' (lol) but they DID change their name to WINTER CITY in an effort to avoid confusion with the Neil Larson/Buzzy Feiton band when shopping their demos to the major labels.
My friends & I literally followed (some say, stalked) this band from May 1976 (our Grade 8 - May Dance @ W.I. Beahm in Mount Joy, PA) 'til roughly May '84 (Shippensburg State University, PA). We really admired & identified with these guys as they were our age, local and we all had rock'n roll dreams of our own.
The music scene in Central PA was incredible in those days. Harrisburg, York, Lancaster and every town in between was rockin' every weekend so much so that even the underage live music scene flourished!!! In addition to having school dances with live music (no DJs), Lancaster Catholic High School had "festival concerts" at least once-a-month with 3-4 bands playin' back-to-back. The pool in Mount Joy had its weekly 'splash parties' and FULL MOON played regularly. City Island had a concert stage before it was turned into a minor league ballpark. Every Sunday, local bands played all day long...and the Baltimore, Maryland scene was too close not stumble 'round there as well.
Anyway, enough history. Here's a crappy live recording of FULL MOON playing a seldom-heard instrumental called 'Asteroids' at a gig in Hershey PA:
http://rapidshare.com/files/93333246/Asteroids__live_.MP3
Many "Thanks" to you for the community that your blog offers and for the great music that you so generously share with us.
PS. I live a few blocks away from the movie theater/studio in Marietta PA where FULL MOON's lp was recorded. I'm pretty sure that I still have my FULL MOON t-shirt, too, though it'd never fit me now!!
Full Moon is my favourite band.I already have their vinyl re-release,but I never had the chance to hear their bonus tracks from the "State of the Artist "cd.I'm really happy and I have to say a big THANKS for giving this opportunity.The bonus tracks are in the same level with their album songs and that is realy great.
P.S ESH can you write again the complete URL for the Live FULL MOON recording?
Thanks again -Chris
http://rapidshare.com/files/93333246/Asteroids__live_.MP3
http://tinyurl.com/2blawf
I big thanks to Esh for this rare Full Moon treasure.Although the sound quality is bad the song(asteroids?????) is great.These brothers are great musicians.Have you any more info or any other stories about them?I'm realy looking forward to hear more about Full Moon....-Chris
You have an incredible thing going on here. I particularly loved the Riot Bootleg with Conklin, as I had always wondered if they had recorded anything together. Keep up the good work.
Ahhhh Full Moon..... Gotta tell ya. I still remember the first time I saw them live around 1978 at Catholic High... I was about 14 years old and a budding guitar player and I was in awe when I saw them. I kid you not, they were better live then on the recording. I still have the original Vynyl LP and the 45 single of state of the artist/ cross country man flip side. And Back in 1984 as WInter City they had a song on a local Radios station produced "local band album". The Album was called Station 104 rocks Central PA.... I am desperatly trying to remember the song name on that album.... I will have to go home and dig it out....
I would love to know what ever happened to the Fischer brothers?
Their originals were great, I learned to play all of them on my guitar (Sergeant at arms is my fav.... I can still see them playing those harmony leads standing side by side), but they were also very good at covers as well. My Full Moon favorite covers were: Back on the road again BY REO, Twilight Zone by Golden Earing...
And thanks to the guy who came up with Asteriods... I sooo remember that... Just hadn't heard that in well over 25 years...
Great Great Memories, I last saw them as Winter City in around 1984 I cant remember the name of the place they played But it was Eat of Lancaster on Lincoln Highway, it was an all age show... And I took my then girlfriend.. now wife to go see them for her first and only time... She loved them..... Anyone who saw them live did!
I went to high school with the guys from full moon at Lower Dauphin.I remember many trips to Lancaster Catholic,City island,our school of course many other venues..I can also remember being in the Fischer's basement at least once during a practice session..Their parents were so nice...I discovered a lot of great music from what these guys listened to;Early Scorpions,UFO,Michael Schenker,etc. and i thank them for that. I moved literally after graduation and never got a copy of the original album,although i did see a pristine copy at a specialty record store for 150 bucks! If it's still there the next time i go there,it's mine!...Someone had given me a cassette that had some of the original songs,before the album was made..Don't know what ever happened to it.I just received a the cd today and i am listening to it now. This was hard to find,even online..Of the few availible copies for sale,two of them were from Israel and Sweden!! So Full Moon did make it worldwide! John Fischer was an amazing guitarist even at that young age and bore a striking resemblance to Neal Schon of Santana and later Journey fame.It still perplexes me to this day as to why they did't make it BIG big.
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