Column

Sunday Old School: Persian Risk

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's lost count of the amount of times the Sunday Old School has dived into the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement and found a subject. Then again, why not? It's the gift that keeps on giving, spawning metal icons, cult heroes and buried treasures, it was a nationwide scene that changed metal forever and gave the world some of the best heavy metal music ever. It was also where members of some of metal's biggest names got their start, including Tygers Of Pan Tang guitarist John Sykes, who went on to to bring some much needed vitality to Thin Lizzy and Motorhead guitarist, Phil Campbell, who was found while playing with today's featured band, Persian Risk.

Campbell formed the band in the Welsh capital city of Cardiff in 1979 and was joined initially in his venture by vocalist Jon Deverill, second guitarist Dave Bell, bass player Nick Hughes, and drummer Russell "Razz" Lemon. Deverill was not to stay in the band for too long however, as he left the following year to join up with the Tygers of Pan Tang and was replaced by Carl Sentance, who had previously performed with Hughes and Razz in a band named, Leading Star. The quintet then released their first seven inch single, "Calling For You" a year later, which has become a highly collectible release among heavy metal fanatics. More...

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OpEd

Denim And Leather: Celebrating 35 Years Of NWOBHM

This month marks thirty five years since one of the most important terms in heavy metal history was coined. After a show featuring Iron Maiden, Angel Witch and Samson, Sounds writer Geoff "Deaf" Barton wrote a review of the concert in which a phrase was used that still stands strong today. It was the time when head banging public was introduced to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The term was arguably created to cause a stir amongst fans who would argue that heavy metal bands in Britain was nothing new and that the likes of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest had been packing out large venues and appearing on such television shows as Top of the Pops for the last few years, despite the dominance of punk rock. However, these bands were different. They possessed the energy of punk but had the look and volume of the early metal bands before them. They took heavy metal away from the grandiose indulgence which some bands had become embroiled in and brought it back to the common man.

It was truly an exciting movement, full of high quality bands which would go on to influence hundreds more and in some cases, become superstars themselves. More or less every metal fan will be able to tell you that Iron Maiden was one such NWOBHM band, with a slightly smaller number being able to point to Def Leppard as another group from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal who went on to stardom after the release of their excellent self-titled EP and debut album, "On Through the Night," following which they shifted direction to the band we know today. More...

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Dark Angel Reunites With Don Doty For Keep It True

Organizers of the Keep It True Festival in Germany have announced that the Saturday headliner will be the reunited Dark Angel, with original vocalist Don Doty, Eric Meyer (Guitars), Mike Gonzalez (Bass) and new guitarist Justin Zych. Thought not officially confirmed, the announcement hints that drummer Gene Hoglan may return as well.

Dark Angel joins another reunited act to appear at the festival: Jag Panzer, who will play with guitaris Joey Tafolla. The roster announcement reads:

"We are extremely proud that we can announce the big Saturday headliner for Keep It True 2014.

"Thrash Metal legends Dark Angel will play their very first show with original singer Don Doty at KIT 2014. Also in the line up are Eric Meyer (guit.), Mike Gonzalez (bass) and Justin Zych (guit.). The drummer is not confirmed yet, but will be announced very soon. Looks like it will be a famous person from Dark Angel history, too.

"With 'Darkness Descends' Dark Angel recorded a milestone in Thrash Metal and at KIT you will see AT LEAST three musicians from that record performing. It will be legendary!!

"The festival is already COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. Thanks for your outstanding support!"

Here is the billing so far:

Dark Angel (USA) (First Time in Europe with Original Singer Don Doty)
Jag Panzer (USA) (Special Early Days Show for the first time in Europe with Joey Tafolla)
Flotsam & Jetsam (USA) (Exclusive “No Place For The Deceiver” Show)
Warrior (USA)
Lethal (USA)
Hexx (USA) (special old school show)
Sinner (GER) (Special Old School Show)
Vardis (UK)
Atlantean Kodex (GER)
Persian Risk (UK)
Deceased (USA)
Iron Cross (USA)
Masque (UK)
Deep Machine (UK)
Night Demon (USA)
Ranger (FIN)
Iron Kingdom (USA) More...

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