Another kick-ass metal band from 80’s. Totally non-commercial and quite ahead of their time Anvil is one of those underground metal bands that just won’t go away. Their 1983 “Forged In Fire” along with Jag Panzer’s 1984 “Ample Destruction” to me is one of the best metal albums of the 80’s. Their early 80’s music could be described as Judas Priest meets Manowar. Add some Maiden and even Kiss into the mix and you got perfect archetype metal band. I have seen over 200 metal concerts in my lifetime but never had a chance to see these guys.

Here’s one of my favorite tracks from Forged In Fire.

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1977-1984 is definitely heavy metal’s best and most productive era as far as I’m concerned, and Heavy Load is one of the first and premier classic-heavy metal bands from that era to stomp the land of the vikings and beyond. Along with other Swedish classic acts such as Overdrive, Torch, Axewitch and 220volt, Heavy Load’s music really reflects the mood and pure energy that was around at the time. Hailed by critics and adored by hard core fans Heavy Load truly represents best years of metal in their own convincing, raw yet melodic classic heavy metal. Band’s like Europe (early works) and Hammerfall definitely learned thing or two from these guys. Hammerfall actually covered Heavy Load’s “Run With The Devil” later on.

Here is one of their gems from excellent 1982 “Death Or Glory”. Just listen that convincing vocal intonation.

“Little Lies”

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Discography:

FULL SPEED AT HIGH LEVEL – NOVEMBER 1978
METAL CONQUEST – SEPTEMBER 1981
DEATH OR GLORY – OCTOBER 1982
STRONGER THAN EVIL – OCTOBER 1983

Band members:

* Styrbjörn Walhquist (Drums, Vocals & Percussion) (1976-1985)
* Ragne Walhquist (Guitars, Vocals & Keyboard) (1976-1985)
* Andreas Fritz (Bassguitar) (1979)
* Eddy Malm (Guitar & Vocals) (1979-1985)
* Torbjörn Ragnesjö (Bassguitar) (1979-1984)
* Leif Liljegren (Guitars) (1979)
* Eero Koivisto (Bassguitar) (1979)
* Dan Molén (Bassguitar) (1978-1979)
* Michael Backlund (Bassguitar) (1976-1977)

In 1981 New York based Riot released their best metal cruncher ever in my opinion. Here is little sample of what’s inside this metal beast. Think UFO meets early Anvil meets 70’s era Priest. Don’t even flinch or think for a second if you find this in bargain bins or in regular sections. Just snag the damn thing and give your ears majestic sonic ecstasy. I’m still clueless about their mascot though.

Don’t Hold Back

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Lineups:

• Mark Reale – Guitars
• Mike Flyntz – Guitars
• Pete Perez – Bass
• Jimmy Ioime – Bass
• Frank Gilchrist – Drums
• Tony Moore – Vocals
• Rhett Forrester – Vocals
• Guy Speranza – Vocals

Formed in early 80’s Chateaux were British Heavy Metal act that somehow got missed by media. They also feature Steve Grimmett (ex-Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart) on vocals (just as a guest). In a case you haven’t heard it, I highly suggest checking out their 1983 release Chained and Desperate.

Despite bad production album still delivers powerful metal kick with bombastic drumming, melodic guitar lines and of course superb vocal performance by Grimmett himself (just check out “Shine on Forever” and tell me if that does not send chills down your spine).

Chateaux is truly one of the lost gems that every metal head should at least hear it, and if you’re obsessed (like me), own it.

Here is one of the best tracks from the album Chained And Desperate

“Spirit of the Chateaux”

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Krys Mason 1983-1986 Bass, vocals

Tim Broughton 1981-1986 Guitars

Chris Dadson 1983-1986 Drums

Steve Grimmett 1983 Vocals

Alex Houston 1981-1983 Bass

Andre Baylis 1981-1983 Drums