Year : 2018
Style : Heavy Metal , NWOBHM
Country : United Kingdom
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 121 mb
Bio:
New Wave of British Heavy Metal band, Spartan Warrior, was formed in the North East of England in the Autumn of 1980.Between 1980 and 1982 the band carved themselves a solid reputation on the live circuit before attracting the attention of Guardian Studios.Spartan Warrior recorded two tracks “Steel n Chains” and “Easy Prey/Comes as no Surprise” which featured on the Guardian Studios compilation album “Pure Overkill” in 1983.Later that same year Spartan Warrior recorded and released their first full length album “Steel n’ Chains”.Such was the response to the release of the bands full length debut that Spartan Warrior signed to Roadrunner and 1984 heralded the release of the bands second self titled album with world wide release.With the possibility of a significant touring schedule ahead and against a background of competing band and personal interests Spartan Warrior split in 1985 before realising their full potential.Like so many n.w.o.b.h.m bands of the day neither fate nor luck had been on the side of Spartan Warrior... however, the birth of the world wide web saw Spartan Warrior’s music reaching fans old and new achieving heavy metal cult status and almost demanding that the band return.And return they did, reforming in 2008 with four original members including Neil Wilkinson (Guitars) and David Wilkinson (Vocals).In 2009 Spartan Warrior recorded their third full length album “Behind Closed Eyes”.2010 saw the release of “Behind Closed Eyes” on the Iron Age label to critical acclaim.In late 2010 Spartan Warrior played their first live show since 1985 to a rapturous reception at Hard Rock Hell Festival joining a bill that boasted from the Nwobhm ranks Marseille, Saracen, Battleaxe and Saxon.In 2011 Spartan Warrior played a number of select UK shows before heading to the legendary Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany where the band opened Saturday’s proceedings.Spartan Warrior very quickly re- established their reputation as a stunning live band playing a series of UK gigs alongside the likes of Holocaust, Blitzkrieg Avenger, Tysondog and Manilla Road.Going from strength to strength Spartan Warrior featured at the inaugural Brofest 2013 in Newcastle with their performance being described by Nwobhm officianado and author Mark Gregory as “a master class in heavy metal”. By popular demand Spartan Warrior returned to Brofest in 2014.Spartan Warrior have featured at many European festivals including Dr Metal Fest Spain , Ages of Metal Belgium, Rock You to Hell Greece, Heavy Sound Festival Belgium and have played alongside such metal legends as Praying Mantis, Diamond Head, Tygers of Pan Tang, Medieval Steel and the legendary Raven.With a new album in the making and the prospect of a release in 2017 through a new label, Spartan Warrior are to take their own brand of slaughter to the road.
Album:
Behold the warrior! Spartan Warrior! Blasting from Great Britain, Spartan Warrior was a part of the NWOBHM movement issuing their first album, Steel n’ Chains, in 1983. The band consisted of Dave Wilkinson (vocals), Neil Wilkinson (guitar), Tom Spencer (bass), Gordon Webster (drums) and Paul Swaddle (guitar). 1984 saw their self-titled sophomore effort hitting shelves. Back then it really was shelves, nowadays I have to say hitting computer screens. Both releases acquired critical acclaim but tensions within the group, as well as problems with the label, ensured that would be it for Spartan Warrior…..Until, that is, a reforming in 2009. Original members and presumably relations based on surnames, Dave and Neil Wilkinson, Tom Spencer, and Gordon Webster all returned. Adding Mark Chapple (guitar), the album Behind Closed Eyes came in 2010 and saw the band returning to the live arena once again. Today, only the Wilkinsons remain in Spartan Warrior. Along with them, we find Dan Rochester (guitar), Tim Morton (bass), and James Charlton (drums) completing Spartan Warrior. On February 23, 2018, their latest creation, Hell To Pay arrives courtesy of Pure Steel Records.Spartan Warrior – Hell To Pay starts with a big bite. The charging sounds right out of the 80’s NWOBHM movement. And better yet, it basically doesn’t let up for the full run of the album! Somehow slipping by me in their heyday, this release has me frantically searching for more Spartan Warrior! The triple threat opening, referred to by me as “the do or die” for an album rips the heart out instantly as “Hell To Pay” greets you upon dropping the needle. Unfortunately, the track only runs for about two and a half minutes. Not to worry as it’s the shortest track of the collection. Spewing attitude, as the title “Bad Attitude” may suggest, track two asks “Hey you, what the fuck you looking at?” shortly after its anthem beginnings. Thirdly we find “Letting Go” with a chugging catchiness that resonates long after listening.The remainder of Spartan Warrior – Hell To Pay fares as well as the opening trio, with no filler in my eyes. From the thumping thrashiness of “Court of Clowns” to the closer, “In Memorium” the neck breaking head banging surges on. The only exception being the slower and softer sounds of the ballad “Something To Believe In”, which as ballads go is not the worst I’ve heard. To be fair, I basically hate any and all ballads, but this still a decent listen. Probably my top choice of the collection is “Covered In Lust”. There’s just something about it from the pounding rhythm driving it forward to the infectious repetitive chorus.Overall a great album and a definite current contender for the top ten of 2018. Thank-you Spartan Warrior!
Line-Up:
Neil Wilkinson Guitars (1980-1985, 2006-present) - See also: Waysted
Dave Wilkinson Vocals (1980-1985, 2006-present) - See also: ex-Cloud
James Charlton Drums (2011-present) - See also: Risen Prophecy, ex-Wrath Within (live), ex-Horrified
Daniel Rochester Guitars (2011-present) - See also: Bone Tomb, Cruciamentum, Vacivus, Haar (live), ex-Dawn of Chaos, ex-Wrath Within, ex-Plague Rider (live)
Tim Morton Bass (2012-present) - See also: ex-Moriarti and the Sith, ex-Wrath Within
Tracklist:
01. Hell to Pay 02:36
02. Bad Attitude 04:18
03. Letting Go 05:11
04. Court of Clowns 04:54
05. Something to Believe 05:09
06. Walls Fall Down 03:40
07. Shadowland 05:53
08. Covered in Lust 05:20
09. Fallen 03:29
10. In Memorium 05:42
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
