Five Rare NWOBHM Gems

Runestaff - 'Runestaff' (1985)

This is the only album ever issued by Ipswich outfit Runestaff, not your typical NWOBHM sounding band this album starts to help lay the foundations of what would later be known as 'progressive metal'. It's well worth checking out for Joanne Syme's emotive vocals and killer tracks such as Road To Ruin and Whatever You Want From Me. Sadly the band split not long after this albums release.

Split Beaver - 'When Hell Won't Have You' (1981)

This is the sole album release from Wolverhampton based biker metal outfit Split Beaver, who suddenly found themselves caught up in the thriving Midlands metal scene of the early '80's and snapped up by the then hot and happening Heavy Metal Records. A very 'blokish' blend of old school Motorhead style metal and transport cafe greasy blues this one will never win awards, but it has an appealing feel good vibe to it that makes it quite memorable. Highlight has to be the storming Hounds Of Hell. Split Beaver still treat metalheads around Birmingham with an occasional reunion

Battleaxe - 'Burn This Town'(1983)

 They say never judge a book by its cover, well that counts for the first album by Sunderland metalheads Battleaxe as well. This is their debut album, released in 1983 by Music For Nations, and features one of the worst metal album covers of all time. However the music is great. Batting off the same wicket as the likes of Tyson Dog and Angelwitch this is a bit of classic and contains a number of cracking tunes including the title track, Dirty Rocker and the wonderful Thor, Thunder Angel. It was later re-issued in a slightly less cheesy sleeve. The band also recorded the equally noteworthy Power From The Universe in 1985, and have recently hit the comeback trail.

Vardis - 'Quo Vardis' (1982)

This is the third full length album from Yorkshire outfit Vardis, a band who had been around since the early 70's and suddenly found themselves caught up in the NWOBHM scene. Possibly the strongest of their five LP's, this is a master work in ultra catchy blues fueled boogie rock. Steve Zodiacs guitar work is to die for, you get full horn lines and even some session piano from Jools Holland. Highlights include the high speed blues of Do I Stand Accused? and the superb Where There's Mods There's Rockers. Sadly Vardis called it quits in 1987.

Tank - 'Filth Hounds Of Hades' (1982)

When Algy Ward left The Damned and formed a metal band called Tank a few eyebrows were raised. However when this, the debut album surfaced in 1982, most of the critics were silenced. From the opening tribal drum beats to closing cut, the anthem (He Fell In Love With A) Stormtrooper, this is one of the best albums of the whole NWOBHM. Sounding a little like the bastard son of Motorhead every one of the ten cuts on offer is a real killer. Personal highlights of mine include the slow and sleazy TWDAMO (That's What Dreams Are Made Of), a drinking anthem Blood Guts And Beer, and the punk fueled Heavy Artillery. Tank went on to release another six great albums, and still get back together for the odd gig or three; but they have never quite topped this all time classic