Grim Reaper
Formed in 1979, and featuring Steve Grimmet (vocals), Nick Bowcroft (guitars), Dave Wanklin (bass), and Lee Hams (drums), Grim Reaper are a typical example of the bands that formed the metal revival of the early '80s known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. They characterised most of the movement's strengths (a fresh, down-to-earth approach, enthusiasm, and powerful but melodic guitar riffs) with the weaknesses that plagued it (bargain basement production values and daftly melodramatic lyrics delivered in an inappropriate falsetto). In 1994 one of their videos was dragged out of the crates by MTV cartoon characters Beavis And Butthead and introduced with an incredulous, 'Is this Spinal Tap?'. While they flirted with infernal imagery, Grim Reaper were never a Satanic band as has been claimed by some (including fundamentalist Christian preachers), and actually suffered from being a little bland. Their debut, SEE YOU IN HELL, was probably Grim Reaper's finest moment, particularly the catchily anthemic title-track, and the band enjoyed some success on both sides of the Atlantic during the mid-'80s. Ultimately they could neither replicate nor build on this, and in 1988 they broke up. Grimmet would join Onslaught then Lionsheart.