Formed in 1979, and featuring Paul DeMercado (vocals), Nick Bowcott (guitars), Dave Wanklin (bass) and Adrian Jacques (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). After numerous line-up changes, the classic setting of the band, including drummer Lee Harris and falsetto guru Steve Grimmett, recorded their first album in 1983. While they flirted with infernal imagery, Grim Reaper were never a Satanic band, as was claimed by some critics (including fundamentalist Christian preachers). Their debut, 'See You In Hell', was probably Grim Reaper's finest moment, particularly the catchy anthemic title track, and the band enjoyed some success on both sides of the Atlantic during the mid-80s. 2 more albums followed. Ultimately, they could neither repeat nor build on this success, and in 1988 they broke up. 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?'. Grimmett later joined Onslaught, then Lionsheart.
 

SEE YOU IN HELL (1983, 1993) PONY CANYON

Grim Reaper had been around since 1979, and released 2 demos when their full-length debut, 'See You In Hell' was released via Ebony Records in late 1983. The band was there when the whole NWOBHM era took off, and were apart of the scene as it happened. Still, the album was released a little too late for them to have the impact they could have in the scene.

'See You In Hell' features all the ingredients that made contemporaries like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Saxon so popular. This is ballsy heavy metal, with powerful, flashy guitar work and siren-like vocals. The lyrics flirt with death and hell, and Grim Reaper were, if possible, even more vicious then the already mentioned bands. And what is a Grim Reaper album without the overtly repetitive choruses? Sure, the production here is raw, and cannot match the big budget sounds of 'Number Of The Beast' or 'Screaming For Vengeance'. But the enthusiasm is still there, as is the ability to write good songs. I'm willing to bet that 'See You In Hell' would be just as seminal as 'Killers', had it been released 2 ears earlier! Songs like "See You In Hell", "All Hell Let Loose" and "Run For Your Life" are heavy metal solidified!

My version of 'See You In Hell' is a Japanese version released in 1993. It features a slightly different running order than the original version.

Killer tracks: Dead On Arrival, Wrath Of The Ripper, All Hell Let Loose, Run For Your Life, The Show Must Go On, See You In Hell

FEAR NO EVIL (1985, 2000) SPITFIRE

Grim Reaper is a classic heavy metal band in every sense of the word. They started out as early as 1979, and showcased all the clichés a heavy metal band could, except the dual guitars. And together with Steve's signature falsetto vocals, that is what set this band apart from the crowd. The music is raw and unpolished, just like it should be. This is not by any means a technical band, but rather a simplistic galloping metal styles, with anthemic choruses. At times they come across as very repetitive, and I swear that every song starts with Steve screaming out the song-title, using the same vocal-line every time! The image and especially the lyrics are so typical for an early 80's metal band. And like so many other metal acts from that era, Grim Reaper was also accused of being Satanic. The band always said that the lyrics were never meant as anything else than horror-stories, just like those old Hammer Horror movies. This is what we thought was cool back in the 80's. And quite frankly, I really love it as much today as I did back then!

Killer tracks: Fear No Evil, Lord Of Darkness (Your Living Hell), Matter Of Time, Let The Thunder Roar, Fight For The Last

ROCK YOU TO HELL (1987) BMG

'Rock You To Hell' was the third album from England's Grim Reaper, released 2 years after the last one. And despite the band getting signed to mainstream label, RCA, it was also going to be their last. Lee Harris returned, and replaced Mark Simon, for this record.

'Rock You To Hell' takes off where 'Fear No Evil' ended, as if they were recorded without a day in between them. This is the same ballsy, cliché ridden heavy metal from A to Z, complete with Steve's powerful high octane wail. However, already in track number 3 we hear some differences. "Lust For Freedom" is an obvious attempt in getting a radio hit. 'Rock You To Hell' was released on a major record company, and they hired renowned producer Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Savatage, Malice) for this project. I bet RCA wanted him to make Grim Reaper sound like an English version of Twisted Sister or Mötley Crüe.  The result is, of course, a much better production, albeit arguably with less charm. Having a "name" as Max running the show can go both ways. We all know too well how a major label and Max Norman nearly ruined Savatage, when they forced them into recording 'Fight for The Rock'. Luckily 'Rock You To Hell' benefits from Max' capable hands, and the label never manages to squeeze all the fun out of Grim Reaper. 'Rock You You Hell' is almost as strong as its predecessors, and certainly hold some of the bands finest moments. Case in point, the excellent title track, "Night Of The Vampire" (later to see an iconic cover done by Entombed!) and "When Heaven Comes Down". The album never loose its momentum and the brother part of the songs hold water, and then some. Classic heavy metal seldom get much better than this!

Killer tracks: Rock You To Hell, Night Of The Vampire, When Heaven Comes Down, You Wish That You Were Never Born, Waysted Love