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 Hams 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.
 

FEAR NO EVIL (1985, 2000) SPITFIRE

Grim Reaper are 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 as 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 were cool back in the 80's. And quite frankly, I really love it as much today as I did back then too!

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