AXE ATTACK - Guitar Pete's Nightmare / NITEMARE France 12" Vinyl LP Album

Released in 1986 on Axe Killer Records, Axe Attack's "Nightmare" (also known as "Guitar Pete's Nightmare") is a high-octane explosion of French speed metal. Though not a household name, the album represents the raw energy and technical prowess that defined the underground metal scene of the era.

Historical Context and Genre

"Nightmare" arrived during the mid-1980s, a time when speed metal was gaining momentum worldwide. While the genre's roots were in the UK and US, bands like Axe Attack emerged in other countries, adding their own unique flavor to the sound. The French metal scene was particularly vibrant, with bands like Sortilège, H-Bomb, and Nightmare (no relation to Axe Attack's album title) making their mark.

Axe Attack's music is a blend of classic heavy metal and speed metal, with influences from thrash and traditional metal. The album features fast tempos, aggressive vocals, and blistering guitar solos. It's a raw and unpolished sound that captures the energy of a live performance, with a DIY aesthetic that was prevalent in the underground metal scene of the time.

Musical Exploration

"Nightmare" showcases Axe Attack's ability to write catchy yet brutal speed metal anthems. Tracks like "Axe Attack," "Leather, Lace, and Studs," and "Pushing Your Luck" are full of adrenaline-fueled energy, while "Klimaxx" and the epic "Nightmare (In Queens)" showcase the band's more melodic and atmospheric side. The album's diversity reflects the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and tempos within the speed metal framework.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of rebellion, violence, and the rock and roll lifestyle. The lyrics are often dark and provocative, reflecting the anxieties and frustrations of a generation disillusioned with the status quo.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded at Rick Beider Studios in New York City, a well-known facility for independent metal bands. The production team, led by Rick Beider, captured the band's raw energy while ensuring a professional sound that met the standards of the time.