- NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal
"Violent Breed" by Rox unleashes its British Heavy Metal prowess on a 12" Vinyl LP Album, marking the band's first full-length studio release. Hailing from Manchester, Rox contributes to the rich tapestry of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Released as a testament to the band's musical exploration and energy, "Violent Breed" captures the essence of Rox's early years and stands as a noteworthy piece in the NWOBHM movement, showcasing the band's place in the diverse and influential landscape of British heavy metal.
In the heart of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) explosion of the early 1980s, Manchester's ROX unleashed their debut album, "Violent Breed." This 12" vinyl LP album, released in 1983, stands as a testament to the band's musical exploration and raw energy, encapsulating the essence of the NWOBHM movement.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Emerging amidst a wave of British heavy metal bands, ROX found their unique voice in the NWOBHM scene. Their music was a blend of traditional heavy metal elements with a touch of punk rock attitude. "Violent Breed" reflects this fusion, showcasing their aggressive sound, powerful riffs, and melodic vocals.
Musical Genre
The album firmly falls into the heavy metal genre, aligning with the NWOBHM sound that dominated the era. Tracks like "Love Ya Like A Diamond," "I Wanna Be A Hero," and "Dressed to Kill" exemplify the band's signature style, characterized by fast tempos, catchy choruses, and soaring guitar solos.
Controversies
"Violent Breed" didn't court any major controversies upon its release. However, some critics found the album title and certain lyrics to be overly aggressive and suggestive. Despite this, the album resonated with fans of the genre, who appreciated its raw energy and rebellious spirit.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Martin Hooker, a seasoned producer who had worked with other NWOBHM bands. The recording studio remains undocumented, adding a touch of mystery to the album's creation.
Conclusion
ROX may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their NWOBHM contemporaries, but "Violent Breed" remains a noteworthy piece in the movement's history. It showcases the band's place in the diverse and influential landscape of British heavy metal, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to explore its sonic depths.
NWOBHM, British Heavy Metal
RoadrunneR RR 9890
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1983 Made in Netherlands
Martin Hooker - Producer
Rox ( Band ) - Producer
Phil Bush - Sound Engineer
This album "Violent Breed" was recorded at: Pluto Studios, Manchester, England
Fin Costello - Photographer
The band members of ROX, a Manchester-based group from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era, performed under stage names. Their real names are as follows:
The album cover features the band Rox from their album Violent Breed. The design captures a classic 1980s heavy metal aesthetic, showcasing the band members in bold, leather-clad outfits adorned with studs, spikes, and chains, a visual synonymous with the glam and heavy metal scene of the era. The members stand in a confident pose against a dark background accented with blue lighting, creating a dramatic, rebellious atmosphere.
At the top, the album title Violent Breed is prominently displayed in a bold, stylized red font with white accents. Below the band members, the band name Rox appears in a metallic logo design with a diamond symbol integrated above the “O,” emphasizing a sense of strength and glamour. The overall design aligns with the visual language of the 1980s metal culture, combining aggression and style to reflect the music’s intensity.
The back cover of Rox’s album Violent Breed features a central image of the band members in their characteristic 1980s heavy metal attire, standing against a gritty, dimly lit background with green and red lighting accents. The visual maintains the rebellious and edgy theme of the album, with the band exuding a confident and tough attitude.
Surrounding the image, production credits are listed in red text, identifying the band’s lineup, producers, and contributors. Notable thanks are also included, acknowledging individuals and entities who supported the album’s creation. The Roadrunner Records logo is displayed in the top right corner, signifying the label behind the release. The cover design, while straightforward, reinforces the raw and unapologetic style associated with the band and their music.
The record label of Rox’s Violent Breed album is a clean, circular design with a white background. The Roadrunner Records logo is prominently displayed at the top in red, with the bold “R” enclosed in a rectangular border. The album title Violent Breed and the band name Rox appear in black text in the center, along with additional production credits and copyright information.
The label includes standard details such as the side number, stereo designation, and catalog number (RR 9890), placed on the left. Around the label’s edge, there is red text stating copyright and distribution details, noting that it was made in Holland. The simple yet effective layout reflects the branding and professionalism of Roadrunner Records.
Music For Nations 12 KUT 103 , 1983 , Made in France
ROX's "Krazy Kutz / Sweet Sixteen" 12" vinyl EP, released in 1983 during the NWOBHM era, encapsulates the band's raw energy and sonic rebellion. With relentless tracks like "Krazy Kutz" and the versatile "Sweet Sixteen," ROX's final recording until 2019 remains a cherished collector's item. The album cover's gritty artwork complements the band's legacy, making it a timeless artifact in the rich tapestry of metal history.
Learn moreRoadrunneR 9890 , 1983 , Made in Netherlands
Released in 1983, Violent Breed by Manchester-based ROX captures the raw energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). This debut album blends heavy metal with punk attitude, delivering powerful riffs, soaring guitar solos, and melodic vocals. Produced by Martin Hooker, it showcases ROX’s aggressive yet melodic style, embodying the rebellious spirit of 1980s metal.
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