THE LUMBERJACK'S HOMEWORK
Hello again. Yessiree, we're back in business!
To be honest there have been times when i've felt like jacking this all in in the last couple of months, but your messages of support and my love of obscure tunes won out in the end. I'll be taking things slowly to begin with, two updates per month on average, just while i see how the file hosting with Megaupload is going. Hopefully this will be often enough to slake your collective thirst for the obscure and unknown, of which i have plenty up my sleeves.
Many thanks to all of you who took the time to leave comments and encouragement during our enforced lay-off, hope there's something amongst tonight's selection to repay you for your loyalty and patience.
Without further ado lets get on with the music shall we?
VALHALLA was a Pennsylvania Heavy Metal band rooted in the antecedent covers band SNOWBLIND, assembled by guitarist Bill Hornyak, bassist Joseph Mutch and drummer Edward Horgan.
As a school trio in the late seventies this band performed songs by the likes of AC/DC, BLACK SABBATH and MOTORHEAD before adopting the revised title of ARMAGEDDON in 1980 and opting to pursue original material.
After a few unsuccessful try outs with short term vocalists the band inducted David Fefolt. The band penned their first composition 'Nightstalker' before hitting the Pittsburgh club circuit. However, Fefolt relocated out of state, this proving a major obstacle for the band who failed to find a suitable replacement. In the meantime ex-SOOTHSAYER man John Merkt was drafted on keyboards.
Shortly after, the group switched titles to VALHALLA and, adopting a more European styled Heavy Metal stance, pulled in another erstwhile SOOTHSAYER member, vocalist Dave Gonzalez, to complete the line up. The newest candidate's tenure would prove brief though, and with Fefolt now back in Pittsburgh their original singer promptly rejoined the band.
VALHALLA entered Micro Mix Studios in 1983 to cut a set of demos but would be persuaded by producers Jim Wilson and Jeff Bower to craft a Mini LP release. The six song Self titled record emerged in 1984 and performed well on local radio. Important Distribution then picked up the Mini LP for national distribution, further enhancing the band's profile.
That November VALHALLA relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in order to further their career. Unfortunately the group found itself struggling in the midst of a Thrash and Hardcore explosion. Bill Hornyak soon quit and the group's attempts to replace him failed.
They would be further damaged by Edward Horgan's diagnosis of diabetes and David Fefolt taking up an offer to join Doug Marks' HAWK. Faced with such insurmountable odds, VALHALLA folded.
Fefolt would later appear on ALEX MASI's 1988 album 'Downtown Dreamers'.
Continuing interest in the bands 1984 Mini LP saw a CD release appear in 2001 on No Remorse Records, entitled "Return Of The Mystic Warrior". The CD featured the six tracks from the original EP plus 5 more studio songs and a live track all from the same era.
VALHALLA - Return Of The Mystic Warrior (1984) USA
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K2PGUA9R
"MOOSE MOLTEN METAL Volume 1 features 10 of the hottest, unsigned or self-released Metal bands from the Montreal & Ottawa regions of Canada. Finally given a chance to be heard, these artists provide rough-edged and exciting music. HEAVY MOOSE METAL at it's grassroots best!"
So claim the sleevenotes to "Molten Moose Metal", a compilation of Maple Leaf mayhem from back in 1985.
As a sampler of what was going on in Canada in 1985, this is a pretty effective little time capsule, with the more Hard Rock bands sounding quite "Sunset Strip", and the grittier bands sounding more European in outlook.
No big names here, although you may/should be aware of the likes of DAGGER, DDT, FIST and WITCHKILLER all of whom i've featured here in the past.
Other contributing acts include: STORMBRINGER, SADWINDER, TZAR, CREEPY FAMILY, HEAVENKNOX and GALLEON, and although there's nothing truly "classic" about this compilation, it hangs together pretty well and gets better with repeated plays.
VARIOUS - Moose Molten Metal (1985) Canada
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DLS56KH2
DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS were an infamous London based band formed in 1981 by ardent biker "Dumpy" Dunnell, a character who had previously been a member of THE RIVVITS. Renowned over the years for their many appearances at biker festivals, the group was originally titled DUMPY'S DIRT BAND and the transition to DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS came in 1981 when the frontman was joined by Mac McKenzie on bass and drummer Chris Hussey, both previously members of NUTHIN' FANCY.
Unbelievably the band had to change its name to DUMPY'S RUSTY BOLTS to secure airplay for the debut 1982 'Just For Kicks' single when DJ's deemed the original band name too lewd. Sometime afterwards, Mac McKenzie left to rejoin NUTHIN' FANCY (much later ending up as manager of THUNDER) and was replaced by Jeff Brown, although he lasted for only a short period of time before making way in 1983 for Kerry Langford.
The band suffered a severe setback in 1984 when their record label folded. The advertised 'Rock The Nation' EP never surfaced commercially although mysteriously copies came to light much later.
By 1984 the band included former TANK drummer Mark Brabbs, and this was the line up responsible for the "Somewhere In England" album, a 16-track 2-LP vinyl set recorded live at the London Marquee Club, where they were a regular and popular attraction. Brabbs quit and left the fold with Langford in early 1986 and the pair were promptly replaced by bassist Alan Fish and drummer Mick Kirton, both ex-GROUNDHOGS. Fish was also a veteran of NWoBHM band ZORRO, a founder member of TREDEGAR and involved with AUTOLAND COMMAND.
The band's line-up remained ever fluid, even at one point seeing bassist Alan Davey and drummer Danny Thompson on temporary leave from HAWKWIND with Fish having departed to form EGYPT. Ex CLOVEN HOOF guitarist Mick Grafton also enlisted for a short stint, whilst yet another bassist, Graham Le Mon, joined in 1987 , the same year that the 'Get Out On The Road' album was issued. The record featured HAWKWIND mainman DAVE BROCK as a guest. Kirton was later to leave to join HAWKWIND.
In 1991 the band released a cover version of JO JO GUNNE's 'Run, Run' Run' as a single, but while DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS are still a going concern, no further product has surfaced. Dumpy is also now a sometime member of the venerable psychedelic institution we know as HAWKWIND.
DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS - Somewhere In England (LIVE) (2-LP) (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/270275635/DUMPY_S_RUSTY_NUTS_-_Somewhere_In_England__UK-1984_.rar
AMBUSH were a six piece Swedish Heavy Metal act, founded in Köping in 1982. Their sole official release was the 1984 "Four Track EP", on their own Ambush Records label.
This was followed by a demo tape entitled "Don't Turn Your Back" in 1984. The band reportedly folded for good the following year.
Juha Nurmenniemi, (once also of ACHILLEUS), would later resurface with Progressive/Space Rock band DARXTAR under the pseudonym "Captain Juba", and appeared on four of the band's albums.
AMBUSH - Four Track EP (1984) Sweden
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S24PLDYI
Darlington based Hard Rock/NWOBHM quartet YOUNG BLOOD first formed under the name CIVILIAN in 1981.
Their sole release, the four song 1984 EP, "First Blood", released on Landslide Records, was highly praised in the music press and on Rock radio at the time, leading to a support slot to MOTORHEAD at London's Hammersmith Odeon on their "No Remorse" tour.
Unfortunately, nothing further was heard from Young Blood after this, although guitarist Andy Webb later reappeared, having formed the band FROZEN HEART who recorded an EP and a Friday Rock Show session in 1989. This band eventually became the AOR act WALK THE WIRE, who recorded a self titled 1994 album and toured the UK with MAGNUM before eventually splitting.
YOUNG BLOOD - First Blood EP (1984) UK
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4IXUV6QT
SCORCHED EARTH were a five piece NWOBHM band formed in Birmingham in 1978.
Maintaining a solid line up from the outset, they built up a loyal following on the Midlands live circuit over the next few years.
The replacement of drummer Tim Kristic in 1983 with former DIRTY TRICKS and GRAND PRIX drummer Andy Bierne brought the band to the attention of Carrere Records who signed them up.
Their lone release for the label was the four song "Tomorrow Never Comes" EP, which was probably too cultured and subtle to attract an audience at the time of it's release, poor sales leading to the band being dropped.
A four song demo (confusingly, also titled "Tomorrow Never Comes"), surfaced later in the year, but with no breakthrough in sight, Bierne jumped ship joining LIONHEART, and the remainder of the band called it quits.
Guitarist Paul Bodley later became a music teacher in Stourbridge, whilst Bierne stayed active as a respected session drummer.
SCORCHED EARTH - Tomorrow Never Comes EP (UK-1984)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UUAYFQWO
Finally, SEDUCER were a prolific NWOBHM act on the UK club scene who formed in Addlestone in 1981. The band debuted in 1983 with the "Call Your Name" 7" on Sticky Records. The band were also featured on Mausoleum Records "Metal Prisoners" compilation LP later that same year.
1984 saw Seducer releasing a four song EP entitled "Indecent Exposure" through Thunderbolt Records. Prior to recording 1985's debut album "Caught In The Act", Seducer enrolled former CHINATOWN bassist Dave Mandy to replace Phil Smith who would later form THEE HYPNOTICS.
In 1986 Seducer released their second and final album, "'eads Down...See You At The End", on Stud Records.
Drummer Tim Haywood departed in August 1987 to form PANIK ATTAK with former members of JJs POWERHOUSE, CLOVEN HOOF, WHITE HEAT and CHAIN LIGHTNING. Sadly, Haywood died prematurely a few years later, and does not appear on the 1991 Panik Attak 7".
Seducer replaced Haywood on the drum stool with Dave Sutherland. In late 1987 Sutherland was badly injured in a car crash, forcing the group into cancelling a series of gigs, which along with record company problems, ultimately led to the band's dissolution as they struggled to regain their momentum.
SEDUCER - Call Your Name 7" (1983) UK
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0MVP8OFG
So there we are, that's yer lot for this evening. Hope you approve of my picks this time round, please lemmy know your thoughts on tonight's selection via the comments section.
See you back here real soon, in about two weeks or so, 'til then, be awesome.
To be honest there have been times when i've felt like jacking this all in in the last couple of months, but your messages of support and my love of obscure tunes won out in the end. I'll be taking things slowly to begin with, two updates per month on average, just while i see how the file hosting with Megaupload is going. Hopefully this will be often enough to slake your collective thirst for the obscure and unknown, of which i have plenty up my sleeves.
Many thanks to all of you who took the time to leave comments and encouragement during our enforced lay-off, hope there's something amongst tonight's selection to repay you for your loyalty and patience.
Without further ado lets get on with the music shall we?
VALHALLA was a Pennsylvania Heavy Metal band rooted in the antecedent covers band SNOWBLIND, assembled by guitarist Bill Hornyak, bassist Joseph Mutch and drummer Edward Horgan.
As a school trio in the late seventies this band performed songs by the likes of AC/DC, BLACK SABBATH and MOTORHEAD before adopting the revised title of ARMAGEDDON in 1980 and opting to pursue original material.
After a few unsuccessful try outs with short term vocalists the band inducted David Fefolt. The band penned their first composition 'Nightstalker' before hitting the Pittsburgh club circuit. However, Fefolt relocated out of state, this proving a major obstacle for the band who failed to find a suitable replacement. In the meantime ex-SOOTHSAYER man John Merkt was drafted on keyboards.
Shortly after, the group switched titles to VALHALLA and, adopting a more European styled Heavy Metal stance, pulled in another erstwhile SOOTHSAYER member, vocalist Dave Gonzalez, to complete the line up. The newest candidate's tenure would prove brief though, and with Fefolt now back in Pittsburgh their original singer promptly rejoined the band.
VALHALLA entered Micro Mix Studios in 1983 to cut a set of demos but would be persuaded by producers Jim Wilson and Jeff Bower to craft a Mini LP release. The six song Self titled record emerged in 1984 and performed well on local radio. Important Distribution then picked up the Mini LP for national distribution, further enhancing the band's profile.
That November VALHALLA relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in order to further their career. Unfortunately the group found itself struggling in the midst of a Thrash and Hardcore explosion. Bill Hornyak soon quit and the group's attempts to replace him failed.
They would be further damaged by Edward Horgan's diagnosis of diabetes and David Fefolt taking up an offer to join Doug Marks' HAWK. Faced with such insurmountable odds, VALHALLA folded.
Fefolt would later appear on ALEX MASI's 1988 album 'Downtown Dreamers'.
Continuing interest in the bands 1984 Mini LP saw a CD release appear in 2001 on No Remorse Records, entitled "Return Of The Mystic Warrior". The CD featured the six tracks from the original EP plus 5 more studio songs and a live track all from the same era.
VALHALLA - Return Of The Mystic Warrior (1984) USA
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K2PGUA9R"MOOSE MOLTEN METAL Volume 1 features 10 of the hottest, unsigned or self-released Metal bands from the Montreal & Ottawa regions of Canada. Finally given a chance to be heard, these artists provide rough-edged and exciting music. HEAVY MOOSE METAL at it's grassroots best!"
So claim the sleevenotes to "Molten Moose Metal", a compilation of Maple Leaf mayhem from back in 1985.
As a sampler of what was going on in Canada in 1985, this is a pretty effective little time capsule, with the more Hard Rock bands sounding quite "Sunset Strip", and the grittier bands sounding more European in outlook.
No big names here, although you may/should be aware of the likes of DAGGER, DDT, FIST and WITCHKILLER all of whom i've featured here in the past.
Other contributing acts include: STORMBRINGER, SADWINDER, TZAR, CREEPY FAMILY, HEAVENKNOX and GALLEON, and although there's nothing truly "classic" about this compilation, it hangs together pretty well and gets better with repeated plays.
VARIOUS - Moose Molten Metal (1985) Canada
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DLS56KH2DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS were an infamous London based band formed in 1981 by ardent biker "Dumpy" Dunnell, a character who had previously been a member of THE RIVVITS. Renowned over the years for their many appearances at biker festivals, the group was originally titled DUMPY'S DIRT BAND and the transition to DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS came in 1981 when the frontman was joined by Mac McKenzie on bass and drummer Chris Hussey, both previously members of NUTHIN' FANCY.
Unbelievably the band had to change its name to DUMPY'S RUSTY BOLTS to secure airplay for the debut 1982 'Just For Kicks' single when DJ's deemed the original band name too lewd. Sometime afterwards, Mac McKenzie left to rejoin NUTHIN' FANCY (much later ending up as manager of THUNDER) and was replaced by Jeff Brown, although he lasted for only a short period of time before making way in 1983 for Kerry Langford.
The band suffered a severe setback in 1984 when their record label folded. The advertised 'Rock The Nation' EP never surfaced commercially although mysteriously copies came to light much later.
By 1984 the band included former TANK drummer Mark Brabbs, and this was the line up responsible for the "Somewhere In England" album, a 16-track 2-LP vinyl set recorded live at the London Marquee Club, where they were a regular and popular attraction. Brabbs quit and left the fold with Langford in early 1986 and the pair were promptly replaced by bassist Alan Fish and drummer Mick Kirton, both ex-GROUNDHOGS. Fish was also a veteran of NWoBHM band ZORRO, a founder member of TREDEGAR and involved with AUTOLAND COMMAND.
The band's line-up remained ever fluid, even at one point seeing bassist Alan Davey and drummer Danny Thompson on temporary leave from HAWKWIND with Fish having departed to form EGYPT. Ex CLOVEN HOOF guitarist Mick Grafton also enlisted for a short stint, whilst yet another bassist, Graham Le Mon, joined in 1987 , the same year that the 'Get Out On The Road' album was issued. The record featured HAWKWIND mainman DAVE BROCK as a guest. Kirton was later to leave to join HAWKWIND.
In 1991 the band released a cover version of JO JO GUNNE's 'Run, Run' Run' as a single, but while DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS are still a going concern, no further product has surfaced. Dumpy is also now a sometime member of the venerable psychedelic institution we know as HAWKWIND.
DUMPY'S RUSTY NUTS - Somewhere In England (LIVE) (2-LP) (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/270275635/DUMPY_S_RUSTY_NUTS_-_Somewhere_In_England__UK-1984_.rarAMBUSH were a six piece Swedish Heavy Metal act, founded in Köping in 1982. Their sole official release was the 1984 "Four Track EP", on their own Ambush Records label.
This was followed by a demo tape entitled "Don't Turn Your Back" in 1984. The band reportedly folded for good the following year.
Juha Nurmenniemi, (once also of ACHILLEUS), would later resurface with Progressive/Space Rock band DARXTAR under the pseudonym "Captain Juba", and appeared on four of the band's albums.
AMBUSH - Four Track EP (1984) Sweden
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S24PLDYIDarlington based Hard Rock/NWOBHM quartet YOUNG BLOOD first formed under the name CIVILIAN in 1981.
Their sole release, the four song 1984 EP, "First Blood", released on Landslide Records, was highly praised in the music press and on Rock radio at the time, leading to a support slot to MOTORHEAD at London's Hammersmith Odeon on their "No Remorse" tour.
Unfortunately, nothing further was heard from Young Blood after this, although guitarist Andy Webb later reappeared, having formed the band FROZEN HEART who recorded an EP and a Friday Rock Show session in 1989. This band eventually became the AOR act WALK THE WIRE, who recorded a self titled 1994 album and toured the UK with MAGNUM before eventually splitting.
YOUNG BLOOD - First Blood EP (1984) UK
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4IXUV6QTSCORCHED EARTH were a five piece NWOBHM band formed in Birmingham in 1978.
Maintaining a solid line up from the outset, they built up a loyal following on the Midlands live circuit over the next few years.
The replacement of drummer Tim Kristic in 1983 with former DIRTY TRICKS and GRAND PRIX drummer Andy Bierne brought the band to the attention of Carrere Records who signed them up.
Their lone release for the label was the four song "Tomorrow Never Comes" EP, which was probably too cultured and subtle to attract an audience at the time of it's release, poor sales leading to the band being dropped.
A four song demo (confusingly, also titled "Tomorrow Never Comes"), surfaced later in the year, but with no breakthrough in sight, Bierne jumped ship joining LIONHEART, and the remainder of the band called it quits.
Guitarist Paul Bodley later became a music teacher in Stourbridge, whilst Bierne stayed active as a respected session drummer.
SCORCHED EARTH - Tomorrow Never Comes EP (UK-1984)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UUAYFQWOFinally, SEDUCER were a prolific NWOBHM act on the UK club scene who formed in Addlestone in 1981. The band debuted in 1983 with the "Call Your Name" 7" on Sticky Records. The band were also featured on Mausoleum Records "Metal Prisoners" compilation LP later that same year.
1984 saw Seducer releasing a four song EP entitled "Indecent Exposure" through Thunderbolt Records. Prior to recording 1985's debut album "Caught In The Act", Seducer enrolled former CHINATOWN bassist Dave Mandy to replace Phil Smith who would later form THEE HYPNOTICS.
In 1986 Seducer released their second and final album, "'eads Down...See You At The End", on Stud Records.
Drummer Tim Haywood departed in August 1987 to form PANIK ATTAK with former members of JJs POWERHOUSE, CLOVEN HOOF, WHITE HEAT and CHAIN LIGHTNING. Sadly, Haywood died prematurely a few years later, and does not appear on the 1991 Panik Attak 7".
Seducer replaced Haywood on the drum stool with Dave Sutherland. In late 1987 Sutherland was badly injured in a car crash, forcing the group into cancelling a series of gigs, which along with record company problems, ultimately led to the band's dissolution as they struggled to regain their momentum.
SEDUCER - Call Your Name 7" (1983) UK
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0MVP8OFGSo there we are, that's yer lot for this evening. Hope you approve of my picks this time round, please lemmy know your thoughts on tonight's selection via the comments section.
See you back here real soon, in about two weeks or so, 'til then, be awesome.
posted by bigfootkit at 5:01 PM
27 Comments:
Hello mythical Bigfoot Kit!
Your blog deserves a huge monument!
Thanks for all the beautiful discovery into the obscure metal music.
Cheers
What a comeback! That Scorched Earth twelver is stirring stuff indeed. Ace to see a Dumpy upload too. "I'm 'appy when I'm ridin' me 'og!"
Hail and kill!!! DAMN glad to see you back in action! Good stuff here tonite... Seems like I'll be doing more vinyl cleaning and remastering this week!!! All hail the return of the metal warrior... :)
Great REstart Bigfoot...Dumpy`s is great and scorched is brilliant..many thanks and its goooddd!!1 to see you back..
all best
Aw shucks, knock it off you guys, i'll be getting a big head if you keep this up.
Seriously though, it's nice for me to know that there are good folks out there like yourselves who still have a hunger to hear this type of music.
bigfootkit
Glad to see you up and running again. Have not listened to anything yet, but soon will
ROCK ON
EVER
Excellent to see you back up & running - Great selection for the first 'new' posting
Cheers
Great to see that you are back on the right track, Bigfootkit! Keep it up!!!
Glad to see you back in business. Another amazing bunch of goodies.
That Asian comment is a bit different. Tastes like meat in a can.
Hey Kit - great to have you back. Thanks for the Scorched Earth and Young Blood. Have a great Xmas. Blofeld.
Just noticed you were back. Glad to have you around again, and looking forward to checking out some forgotten gems.
Just an adendum:
I'm originally from Pittsburgh, and I remember back in the 80's seeing a plethora of the Valhalla eps for sale in the cut-out bin of the local Oasis record store for 99-cents a pop. Picked up one for my personal collection, but hindsight being what it is, if I had bought them all, I probably could have retired by now.
Also, that same Oasis had a ton of the X-Caliber "Warriors of the Night" albums also in the cut-out bin for (yup) 99-cents. Guess they had all of the local bands dumping their wares on them. Still remember it like it was yesterday. Damn, those things are going for about $200 - $300 today...could have grabbed about 50 of them at the time. Anyone got a time machine I can borrow?
Welcome back 'kit!
Valhalla were a cool band, and yeah, that EP is a costly pain to find nowadays.
As someone who takes great delight in bad Canadian stereotypes, all I can say is that 'Moose Molten Metal' and its glorious cover art are greater than a hockey rink full of flannel-wearing wolverines LOL!!! I must check that one out soon :-)
Happy holidays!
Hey Kit, hello again.
That Moose Metal is decidedly unspectacular, but it perfectly captures the spirit of "not-ready-for-a-record-deal" indie bands roaming North America at that time.
The Ambush starts out great, loses a little at the back end. Good stuff.
Anything you can do about the spam post(s) ? ?
Spam gone.
The Dumpy live LP has one of the all time great public address utterings ever. Dumpy asks the crowd "who likes it up the arse eh?"....the crowd roars...."who likes to get buggered?"....the crowd roars again. I've never been sure whether the drunks were simply cheering anything they heard, or maybe they were just a very experimental crowd.
Hi 'kit!
Thank you for all post! Very cool.
Request: I look a long time single & demo of TNT (UK). Please upload if you have 'em/
best wishes
For anyone interested, there's an orig copy of the VALHALLA EP listed on ebay currently. There's also a copy of the bootleg pic disc version. I think the orig would look great under my Xmas tree if anyone needs to get me a last-minute gift :-)
Kit, would you mind a request?
I once owned a cd called "The Best Heavy Metal From Europe". It featured Rash Panzer, Mogg, Zero Nine, Crosshead, Blind Petition, etc. My cd is long gone. I found 8 of the tracks on an old cassette tape, but there are 10 tracks total.
Anyone got this ?
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
"Moose Molten Metal"-terrific.I've got a copy and get it out now and again just to look at the stupid clothes.
Mind you,i've worn some odd stuff in my time.
Love the NWOBHM-listening to it a lot lately.
Cheers,John.
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