Grim Reaper was destined to be one of the classic NWOBHM bands, but did for various reasons not debut until 1984, after the impact of metal had already taken the big leap over to the other side of the ocean. The band was formed as early as 1979, by singer Steve Grimmett, guitarist Nick Bowcott and bassist Dave Wanklin. Better late than never, they say, and See you in hell has rightfully become one of the classics, something of NWOBHM's final will. The following two albums were also minor charters, but the band broke up soon thereafter. Steve Grimmett later played in Onslaught on one album, before forming his own Lionsheart, which by the look of things was deprived of all success. Grim Reaper was also known for their theatrical flare, with generous use of demonic imagery and stagesets. What else can you say? This band is one of the strongholds in the field of British metal, and their music is certainly playable to this day, for those in need of a good headbang.
Discography
SEE YOU IN HELL
Now here's one of the not-so timeless mid '80s classics. Although a little too late-coming to be considered NWOBHM in the sense of the expression, it carries the spirit of the era good enough to be. The style is classic metal - classic as in uncomplicated with a reason. Nothing fancy, nothing overbearing, just plain old working class British steel - the sweetest sound there is! And it won't take you long to decide whether you like it or not. All cuts here I think are strong, with the title track being the masterpiece of the bunch (you'll know what I mean once you hear it). Liar, Now or never, Run for your life and All hell let loose all tear 'n' shred in a very compelling way, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without them. Hell, even the cheesy ballad (Show must go on) instills warm feelings in this simpleton's metal heart. Especially a very good party album, with excellent groove and sing-alongs you'll learn quickly - enough too keep everyone a-leapin' and a-hoppin' the full 33 minutes. Yes, that's the album's biggest, maybe only, weakness. Only 8 songs, and not very long ones either - with one exception. Singing may seem a bit weird in a few songs as well. Especially Dead on arrival ("D.O.A."), which is neat in itself, but Grimmett's pig-like shrieking gets REALLY annoying after a while. Steve Grimmett also wins the price for butt-ugliest rocker, tied with Udo Dirkschneider and most of Def Leppard. Oh well...all-guy parties are the best ones anyway... (and I doubt Liar is suitable to play in female company :) ). The cover art is one of my favourites too (gotta get a poster of this one). I recommend this if you're anything but a die-hard prog fan, in which case you may find it a bit hasty. The rest of us will focus on the headbanging.
Best songs: See you in hell; Liar; All hell let loose
FEAR NO EVIL
Some classic shit on this disc, but overall pretty much a watered down, cheesier version of See you in hell. If you liked the former, you will like Fear no evil too. Maybe a little less, maybe a little more, but if you dig one, you will most likely dig the other. Unfortunately, there is no selection here close to See you in hell (the song), although they are certainly rocking, the majority of them. Faves oughta be the title shot, Matter of time (in particular), Let the thunder roar and Lay it on the line. And of course, any song called Rock & roll tonight must be good too (well it is! Honest!). The rest is decent, I guess, including the closer Final scream, with a main riff practically identical to Jag Panzer's brilliant battle hymn Warfare, but pretty lame in comparison otherwise. Never coming back and Lord of darkness are also a bit too plain. The style hasn't changed, head-on rockers with no certain twists and few surprises. Perhaps a bit more polished production-wise than the debut, but still with a fair amount of energy and catchy riffage (especially Matter of time has one of the most ass-kicking ever). New drummer here as well, the only spot that hasn't been steady since the band's foundation. The recommended strategy is to look for the combo-CD, which mashes both See you in hell and this one onto a single disc! I found it, why can't you? That's pretty much it from now, most things said about Hell as a whole is viable here too, and despite not being quite as great as the debut, Fear no evil has its place in metal history, as an album I like, but don't love.
Best songs: Matter of time; Fear no evil; Rock & roll tonight