Grim Reaper (band)
| Grim Reaper | |
|---|---|
Grim Reaper live 2010
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Droitwich Spa, England |
| Genres | Heavy metal |
| Years active | 1979–1988, 2006–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | |
| Members |
Steve Grimmett Ian Nash Paul White Mart Trail |
| Past members | Nick Bowcott Dave Wanklin Lee Harris Kevin Neale Adrian Jacques Paul DeMercado Pete Newdeck Ritchie Walker Chaz Grimaldi |
Grim Reaper are a British heavy metal band from the new wave of British heavy metal era. The band was formed in 1979 in Droitwich, England, by guitarist Nick Bowcott.
They were discovered after winning a Battle of the Bands featuring over 100 bands. They were eventually signed to Darryl Johnston's Ebony Records, and their debut album was See You in Hell. The album was released in 1984 and was distributed worldwide through RCA Records.
Grim Reaper soon became readily identifiable with Bowcott's guitar work and lead vocalist Steve Grimmett's head voice vocals. Their successful world tour included a support show at Texxas Jam playing to over 20,000 people. Their 1985 follow-up, Fear No Evil, showed improvement on the production front and also enjoyed moderate success in both the United States and Europe.
Legal battles with Ebony Records delayed the release of the band's third album Rock You to Hell by almost two years. The album was released directly through RCA Records in 1987. However, by this time Grim Reaper's melodic Heavy metal sound had fallen out of favor as much of the metal market moved toward heavier fare like thrash metal and speed metal. Even the major label distribution and popular video for the title track could not save the band. With the production of their fourth studio album (reportedly to be called Nothing Whatsoever to Do with Hell) about to start, another round of legal action from Ebony Records effectively dealt the death blow to Grim Reaper, subsequently disbanding in 1988.
Grimmett went on to front Onslaught and Lionsheart, as well as perform on several tribute albums. Bowcott became a freelance music writer, and later staff contributor, for publications like Circus and Guitar World. Bowcott also worked with Marshall Amplification's United States division. He also played in the band Barfly who recorded an album with Jack Ponti producing and Michael Wagener mixing for RCA records.
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