DRAG & DROP

Another week, another post, more great overlooked treats from the Harder end of the rock spectrum for the discerning ears of those who seek lost musical treasure.
We're going well & truly global tonight in our quest to bring you the finest obscure listening experiences which the annals of rock have to offer.
Up first the lone 1983 album by US Heavy Rockers Spike, this is "The Price Of Pleasure". Formed in Cincinatti Ohio, four piece Heavy Rock act Spike were the first band to feature the dazzling guitar of future CJSS & Chastain man, David T. Chastain. They made their recording debut with the 1981 self released "Leah" single, and followed this up the next year with another 45, "Just Want Your Money". In 1983 the band released their only album "The Price Of Pleasure", on Starbound Records. The album features the blazing guitar work of David T. Chastain and the powerful vocals of Mike Skimmerhorn. The rhythm section of drummer Les Sharp and bassist Denny Kuller added just the right foundation to punctuate the music. This particular line up of Spike was only around for a short time. The band broke up in the fall of 1984 as David went on to form CJSS and CHASTAIN.

SPIKE - The Price Of Pleasure (1983) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/109123472/SPIKE_-_The_Price_Of_Pleasure__USA-1983_.rar

Nextly, we complete the Wild Horses discography with their second & final album, 1981's "Stand Your Ground". After the promise of their 1st LP, much was expected of their sophomore effort, but the bands party hardy lifestyle was taking it's toll behind the scenes, resulting in a harder darker album than it's predecessor. The band were dropped by EMI as the tour to promote album no. 2, 'Stand Your Ground' fell apart after a few dates. Robertson departed for an ill fated union with MOTÖRHEAD whilst simultaneously Edwards jumped ship to Bernie Marsden's S.O.S. (and later UFO) leaving only Bain and guitarist John Lockton. With Robertson gone Bain recruited ex LAUTREC members vocalist Rueben Archer, guitarist Laurence Archer and ex DEF LEPPARD drummer Frank Noon. Noon and the Archers went onto create STAMPEDE, and much later Lawrence Archer continued the trend of ex-WILD HORSES members by joining UFO. Noon, while not managing to actually join UFO did the next best thing and joined WAYSTED, an anarchic outfit founded by UFO bassist PETE WAY. Lockton joined the international act VICTORY based in Germany for their first line up. Bain, after behind the scenes moves with the SCORPIONS, later teamed up with former RAINBOW colleague Ronnie James Dio to form DIO.

WILD HORSES - Stand Your Ground (1981) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/109659278/WILD_HORSES_-_Stand_Your_Ground__UK-1981_.rar

This next one is a must hear, i just got turned on to it recently by some of the good folks from The Corroseum, and those folks know a good thing when they hear it! A renaissance, not to say eccentric, figure on the Italian Doom and Gothic scene, Ancona born Paul Chain’s prolific output both as an artist and for his much sought production skills has landed him the coveted position of Italian Doomeister. Paul Chain, a dexterous talent able to handle drums, bass, keyboards and lead vocals, made his mark as a founder member of the underground, and now highly revered, Gothic Horror Metal act DEATH SS. This act, founded during 1977 fused Punk and Metal to forge a quite unique brand of ‘Horror Metal’ which soon rose to cult status. Chain’s co-founding DEATH SS colleague Steve Sylvester made his exit in 1982 and Chain duly soldiered on with DEATH SS until April of 1984 when the group was put on ice. By September of the same year Chain had gone solo, taking the DEATH SS rhythm section of bassist Daniel Tommasini and drummer Franco Cafori, to front his own act PAUL CHAIN - VIOLET THEATRE. This was their first recording, the "Detaching From Satan" EP, an expansive atmospheric and haunting masterpiece. Investigate this thoroughly, this is devastatingly beautiful music.

PAUL CHAIN - VIOLET THEATRE - Detatching From Satan EP (1984) Italy

http://rapidshare.com/files/109925257/PAUL_CHAIN_VIOLET_THEATRE_-_Detaching_From_Satan_EP__Ita-1984_.rar

Next tonight, another request filled by our friend nightsblood, the self titled 1982 EP by Sweden's Onyx. This is another one which is highly rated by the good folks @ www.thecorroseum.com, and they have this to say about it : "With opener “Karon” they kick off in a true early-80’s Euro-Metal fashion, not unlike the faster trax of those early ACCEPT albums, with some guitarwork in the classic NWOBHM/2 first MAIDEN lp’s style. “FörloradTid Att DöSon” is a more melodic number which manages to be just that – melodic - without sounding too commercial. On “FörloradTid Att Dö” we’re back in the fast lane and this one could be taken right off the “Breaker” album by ACCEPT : pure old-school Power Metal! Final cut “Nosferato” is what really makes this ep special. An epic Heavy Metal masterpiece and Swedish top-10 contender!" Lemmy tell you, this one is every bit as special as this review makes it sound.

ONYX - Onyx EP (1982) Sweden

http://rapidshare.com/files/110304919/Onyx.rar.html

We now return to the UK for the final 4 items in tonight's selection, it's NWOBHM all the way folks!
Firstly, "EP II" from cult NWOBHM band Energy. Energy debuted in 1980 with the "Energised" EP, following it in '81 with the "II" EP, also known as the "Conquer The World" EP. Their next release would be a seven inch single which surfaced in 1981, coupling "Nowhere To Hide" with "Fight For Your Freedom". Some confusion appears to exist as to whether this is the same band who issued two further 45's, "Too Good To Lose" in 1985 & 1986's "Radio Radio". One of the least known of the great "lost" NWOBHM bands, their material is due for critical reevaluation.

ENERGY - II EP (1981) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/109922397/ENERGY_-_II_EP__UK-1981_.rar

Reincarnate were a four piece NWOBHM band from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Formed in 1980, they released this, their "Take It Or Leave It" 7" on Zipp Records in 1982, which was produced by Les Hunt of fellow NWOBHM-ers DEMON & Punk gods DISCHARGE. A further recording, the four song, cassette only "1983 Demo", followed the single, but the band split soon after. Farrington went on to join HARRIER as keyboard player, recording the "Out On The Street" EP in 1984. Farrington would later go full circle, joining the reformed DEMON in 2002 and appearing on the "Better The Devil You Know" album of 2005.

REINCARNATE - Take It Or Leave It 7" (1982) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/111328032/REINCARNATE_-_Take_It_Or_Leave_It_7____UK-1982_.rar

Newcastle upon Tyne Heavy Metal band FIST were signed to Neat Records mere weeks after their formation under the original handle of AXE in 1980 and subsequently found themselves on major label MCA Records following an inter-label deal. In addition to a crop of singles and albums FIST also contributed a track to the Neat Records compilation 'Lead Weight' and the band supported UFO on their British January 1981 tour. This is their 1980 7" "Forever Amber" which was released by MCA Records, and is, like all their early material, essential.

FIST - Forever Amber 7" (1980) NWOBHM

http://rapidshare.com/files/111334851/FIST_-_Forever_Amber_7____UK-1980_.rar

Finally tonight, Merseyside New Wave Of British Heavy Metal act MAYHEM who debuted on the Riot City label in 1982 with the punk influenced 4 song "Gentle Murder" EP. After toning down the punky element of their sound, they released this little cracker, the "Bloodrush" 7" single on the Vigilante label in 1984. A 1985 rerelease as a 12" EP on the same label added an extra song, " I Defy (Part 1)", and different cover artwork. Great TRIARCHY-esque intro, followed by a raw sounding but still tuneful midpaced verse and a throaty insistent chorus, this is brilliant stuff!

MAYHEM - Bloodrush 7" (1984) NWOBHM

http://rapidshare.com/files/111331935/MAYHEM_-_Bloodrush_7____UK-1984_.rar

That's all for now folks, hope you enjoy tonight's selection.
Back soon with much much more!!! ;)