GRIM REAPER - SEE YOU IN HELL (UK-1983)

Formed in 1979, and featuring Steve Grimmett (vocals), Nick Bowcott (guitars), Dave Wanklin (bass) and Lee Hams (drums), Grim Reaper are a typical example of the bands that formed the UK heavy metal revival of the early 80s known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. They epitomized most of the movement's strengths (a fresh, down-to-earth approach, enthusiasm, and powerful but melodic guitar riffs), but also the weaknesses that plagued it (bargain-basement production values and daftly melodramatic lyrics delivered in an inappropriate falsetto). In 1994 one of their videos was dragged out of the crates in the MTV cartoon Beavis And Butthead, and was introduced with an incredulous 'Is this Spinal Tap?'. While they flirted with infernal imagery, Grim Reaper were never a Satanic band, as was claimed by some critics (including fundamentalist Christian preachers), and actually suffered from being a little bland. Their debut, See You In Hell, was probably Grim Reaper's finest moment, particularly the catchily anthemic title track, and the band enjoyed some success on both sides of the Atlantic during the mid-80s. Ultimately, they could neither repeat nor build on this success, and in 1988 they broke up. Grimmett joined Onslaught, then Lionsheart. DOWNLOAD: Link1 DOWNLOAD Link2

Posted: 03:44, 28 September 2008

Add Comment