Exciter
Formed in Ottawa, Canada, in 1979 as a three-piece outfit, the band's original line-up consisted of Dan Beehler (drums/vocals), John Ricci (guitar) and Allan Johnson (bass), their name taken from an old Judas Priest track. An impressive demo attracted the attention of Shrapnel Records which as well as featuring the band on an early U.S. Metal compilation also released the demo as an album entitled HEAVY METAL MANIAC in 1983. This was beligerent, Motörhead-influenced power metal and quickly gained the band a strong following in Europe. They then changed labels and released VIOLENCE & FORCE for Roadrunner Records in 1984. Produced by ex-Rods drummer Carl Canedy, it was a much more stylish release benefiting from better production and higher quality material. By the next release, the band had changed European labels once again. Their third album, LONG LIVE THE LOUD, appeared on the Music For Nations label in 1985. Recorded and produced in London with producer Guy Bidmead, this album did not seem as immediate as previous releases and saw them lose some of their early raw power. However, this did not deter the band from undertaking an extensive European tour in support of the release. Afterwards Ricci left to be replaced by Brian McPhee, an old friend of the band, who added a new dimension to their fourth album, UNVEILING THE WICKED. Unfortunately, even McPhee's excellent guitar work could not alleviate the sense of tiredness in the music, and after a short tour of Brazil the band decided to add a vocalist/frontman to give them a stronger identity. This resulted in the recruitment of Rob Malnati. Once again they changed labels, signing to the small, Canadian independent Maze Records. Their last album, EXCITER, failed to sell and shortly after its release the band sank into obscurity playing on the local club scene.