Infectious, exciting and truly a stalwart for modern-day, pure British Heavy Metal.
Steve Grimmett and his band Grim Reaper are both names that are notorious amongst the British NWOBHM scene. Originally forming in 1979, the group released three albums during the eighties before they disbanded, with Grimmett moving on to lead Onslaught and Lionsheart amongst other solo projects.
The time came in 2006 for the reformation of the band who then performed at a variety of festivals around the globe whilst working on the accompanying 'Live In Europe' limited-edition EP (2011) before producing a fourth record entitled 'Walking In The Shadows' which came out in 2016. Unfortunately, not long after this last release, Grimmett was hospitalised in Ecuador where he stayed for a month as he battled a life-threatening condition which sadly resulted in him having part of his leg amputated; this difficult, life-changing event was then followed by the loss of his brother.
Not letting any of this keep him down when others may have stopped, Grimmett and his troupe soldiered on to unleash their fifth full-length album 'At The Gates' which came out on none other than the superstitious Friday 13th (September 2019). Their latest offering consists of eleven songs and is jam-packed full of traditional/classic Heavy Metal. It's just uncomplicated, straightforward and "in-your-face" music that is reminiscent of early era Iron Maiden, Praying Mantis or Tokyo Blade with the production really helping to give a modern twist to the retro tones.
The group's new additions – bassist Julian Hill and drummer Mark Pullin – provide solid, galloping rhythms, while guitarist Ian Nash's Metal riffs and thrilling solos are all topped nicely with Grimmett's soaring vocals. These facets are all demonstrated in the likes of 'Rush' and 'The Hand That Rocks The Cradle' (which has a guitar solo that is almost virtuoso sounding), whereas 'Venom' has a Priest-like quality
'At The Gates' is infectious, exciting and truly a stalwart for modern-day, pure British Heavy Metal.
Sonia Waterfield
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