VA “British Steel – The Rising Force Of British Heavy Metal” /GLP/

Compilation album of a New Wave of British bands playing New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).
Great Britain, the ostensible home of Heavy Metal, is spawning quality and varied acts ready to compete with the best of their neighbours. A younger generation, brought up with a broad knowledge of heavy music, have decided that they aren’t interested in pushing the boundaries of technique, production and extremity. Instead, these bucks seek only to find their own sound and write songs of the quality they grew up with on the family stereo. This passion for heavy music gives these ‘sons of their fathers’ the confidence to make exactly the music they want. Accusations and labels like ‘retro’ and ‘old school’ roll like water off a Metallic aquatic. If you plug away passionately for more or less ten years to tiny crowds with little or no support, it’s hard to engage with such negativity. And make no mistake, all of the acts here live and breathe this stuff. They’ve been playing since they were teens, you’ll see them front row at all the shows, and if no-one is offering gigs they’ll put them on themselves. And it’s no lie to say British had too much choice for this Steel platter. Their cup overfloweth! So is this a movement? Do we name it and define it? Nope, for to do so would allow us to dismiss it and this varied buffet is not going away. So let’s introduce the players... Amulet, Aggressive Perfector, Eliminator, Dungeon, Dark Forest, Toledo Steel, Vuil, Seven Sisters, Insurgency, Neuronspoiler and Wytch Hazel.
At first glance, it might seem that a compilation of bands dedicated solely to playing traditional NWOBHM would be rather limited and repetitive in content, but while none of the bands can truly compare to the acts they wish to emulate, there are many distinct and varied styles on display here. Of course, this means the chances are that not all the bands included will appeal to everyone at once, but those with at least a passing interest in the genre should definitely find something of value.
White With Red & Blue Splatter Vinyl.
No Survivors Ltd./Dissonance Productions/Back On Black, a division of Plastic Head Distribution, 2017 (BOBV526LP). Made in the UK. Pressed in Czech. First press.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Amulet – Highwayman
2. Aggressive Perfector – Harlot's Spell
3. Eliminator – Lost To The Void
4. Dungeon – Queen Of Sin
5. Dark Forest – Where The Arrow Falls

Side B
1. Toledo Steel – Rock Nights
2. Vuil – Iron Witch
3. Seven Sisters – The Witch's Eye
4. Insurgency – Destined For Death
5. Neuronspoilerr – Slay The Beast
6. Wytch Hazel – Freedom Battle

Total playing time: approx. 46 min.