"BATTLEAXE - Power from The Universe" Battleaxe is a heavy metal band from Sunderland, England. As one of the notable bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene NWOBHM, this is their second full length album.
In the heart of the early 80s, amidst the Thatcher-era gloom and the neon-lit explosion of New Wave, a raw and primal sound emerged from the depths of the UK's heavy metal underground. BATTLEAXE, a quartet of leather-clad warriors from Nuneaton, unleashed their debut album, "Power From the Universe", a twelve-inch slab of vinyl that shook the foundations of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM).
This wasn't just music; it was a primal scream against the mundane, a fist raised against the conformity of the times. BATTLEAXE's sound was a glorious collision of thunderous riffs, pummeling drums, and vocalist Dave King's banshee wail, a sonic assault that could level a Stonehenge.
"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.
The album's production, helmed by the legendary Mike Stone at the hallowed Morgan Studios, captured the band's raw power with a gritty, unvarnished sound. It was a sonic assault that was as exhilarating as it was deafening.
While "Power From the Universe" may not have set the charts ablaze or sparked any major controversies, it solidified BATTLEAXE's place in the NWOBHM pantheon. The album's raw power and uncompromising spirit resonated with a generation of metalheads who craved music that was as loud and rebellious as their own lives.
Music Genre: NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "BATTLEAXE - Power from The Universe" was produced by: Tony Wilson for Lone Pine Productions Ltd Tony Wilson ( full-name: Anthony Howard Wilson ) record label owner, music producer, nightclub manager, impresario and journalist for Granada Television and BBC Television. In the 1980s he has produced and worked on albums for bands like: Battleaxe, Deep Purple, Diamond Head, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Guy Bidmead Guy Bidmead is a legendary producer and sound engineer whose work in heavy metal during the 1980s helped define the genre’s sonic landscape. Known for his technical mastery, he brought clarity and power to albums by iconic bands like Exciter, Coroner, and Destruction.
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This album was recorded at: Highland Recording Studios, Inverness. Mixed at Brittania Row, London Mastered by Kevin Metcalf at the Townhouse Artwork: Mez Album cover photography: Fin Costello Fin Costello, a celebrated rock and metal photographer, is known for his iconic images of legendary bands like Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Ozzy Osbourne. With a career spanning decades, his work has graced album covers and magazines, capturing the energy and essence of rock history.
Discover more about his incredible legacy at Fin Costello Biography.
Guy Bidmead is a legendary producer and sound engineer whose work in heavy metal during the 1980s helped define the genre’s sonic landscape. Known for his technical mastery, he brought clarity and power to albums by iconic bands like Exciter, Coroner, and Destruction.
Read his story
MEZ Full-name "Mez Meredith" has done the album artwork for half a dozen Heavy Metal album covers. Heavy Metal albums mainy in the period 1983-1986. Some of the bands include Battleaxe, Rogue Male, Virgin Steel, Exciter |
| Record Company & Catalog number: RoadrunneR RR 9845 |
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BATTLEAXE POWER FROM THE UNIVERSE NWOBHM |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "BATTLEAXE POWER FROM THE UNIVERSE NWOBHM" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "BATTLEAXE POWER FROM THE UNIVERSE NWOBHM" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "BATTLEAXE POWER FROM THE UNIVERSE NWOBHM" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "BATTLEAXE POWER FROM THE UNIVERSE NWOBHM" |
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Photo of "BATTLEAXE POWER FROM THE UNIVERSE NWOBHM" 12" LP Record Label |
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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.
Learn more