This version of "Burn This Town" has the original ( less sophisticated and raw draw artwork ). 2000 copies of this artwork version were released. The letters of "RoadrunneR" on the record's label are printed in blue colour ( later versions have this lettering in Red).
Obscure British Heavy Metal
In the smoldering ashes of the punk rock explosion, a new beast was stirring in Britain. While the Sex Pistols were busy spitting on the Queen, a legion of denim-clad metalheads were forging a new sound in smoky pubs and dingy rehearsal rooms. They called it the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, or NWOBHM for those in the know. And amongst these bands, Battle-Axe stood out as a primal force of nature.
Their 1984 debut album, "Burn This Town," was a raw and raucous slab of classic metal. It wasn't polished or refined, but it didn't need to be. This was music made for headbanging, fist-pumping, and beer-chugging. It was a soundtrack for rebellion, a call to arms for a generation of disaffected youth.
From the opening riff of "Ready to Deliver," you knew you were in for a wild ride. The guitars roared, the drums thundered, and the vocals soared with a fierce intensity. This wasn't just music, it was a visceral experience.
Tracks like "Burn This Town" and "Dirty Rocker" were anthems of defiance, tales of battles fought and won. They sang about the struggles of everyday life, the frustrations of a generation trapped in a world they didn't understand.
But Battle-Axe wasn't just about anger and aggression. "Her Mama Told Her" showcased a playful side, while "Overdrive" and "Running Out of Time" were high-octane adrenaline rushes. "Battle Axe" was a self-referential anthem, a declaration of their metallic prowess.
Their music wasn't always easy to listen to. It was rough around the edges, sometimes even sloppy. But that was part of its charm. It was real, it was honest, and it was undeniably powerful.
| Album Fact Sheet: BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM |
Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" was produced by: Terry Gavaghan. Published by Roadster Music Album cover artwork: Arthur Ball TERRY GAVAGHAN a British Guitar Player, Producer, Sound Engineer and owner of the "Guardian Studios" in Durham.
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| Record Company & Catalog number: Roadrunner RR 9900 |
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1983 Made in Holland |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM |
Collector notes: During the 1980's Ian Thompson has also played in the bands "Metal Mirror" and "Dark Heart" |
Complete Track-listing of the album "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" |
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Photo of "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" 12" LP Record Label - Side One: |
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Photo of "BATTLE-AXE BATTLEAXE Burn This Town NWOBHM" 12" LP Record Label - Side Two: |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Battle Axe, hailing from Sunderland, England, emerged as a formidable force during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) explosion in the early 1980s. Initially known as Warrior, the band underwent a name change and solidified their lineup with Dave King on vocals, Brian Smith on bass, Steve Hardy on guitar, and Ian Thompson on drums.
Their debut album, "Burn This Town," released in 1983, was a raw and energetic offering that captured the essence of the NWOBHM movement. The album's title track became an anthem for the band, showcasing their powerful sound and King's soaring vocals. Other notable songs included "Chopper Attack," "The Avenger," and "Ready to Deliver." The album's production was rough around the edges, but it only added to the charm and authenticity of Battle Axe's music.
Following the success of "Burn This Town," Battle Axe released their sophomore effort, "Power from the Universe," in 1984. This album saw the band refine their sound, incorporating more melodic elements while retaining their signature heavy metal edge. The title track once again stood out, along with fan favorites like "Her Mamma Told Her," "Overdrive," and "Running Out of Time." The album received positive reviews and further cemented Battle Axe's position in the NWOBHM scene.
Battle Axe's touring schedule intensified following the release of "Power from the Universe," with notable appearances alongside Saxon and other NWOBHM stalwarts. However, despite their growing popularity, the band faced lineup changes and internal struggles, leading to a hiatus in the late 1980s.
Though their initial run was relatively short-lived, Battle Axe left an undeniable mark on the NWOBHM movement. Their albums "Burn This Town" and "Power from the Universe" remain cult classics, cherished by heavy metal fans worldwide. The band's music continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and their legacy as pioneers of the NWOBHM remains secure.
Their 1984 debut album, "Burn This Town," was a raw and raucous slab of classic metal. It wasn't polished or refined, but it didn't need to be. This was music made for headbanging, fist-pumping, and beer-chugging. It was a soundtrack for rebellion, a call to arms for a generation of disaffected youth.
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"Power From the Universe" was an unapologetic celebration of the NWOBHM ethos. From the opening salvo of "Heavy Metal Sanctuary" to the anthemic "Battleaxe," the album was a relentless onslaught of fist-pumping anthems that exuded a raw, unbridled energy.
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