Black Rose - Walk It How You Talk It 12" Vinyl LP Album

- A Defiant NWOBHM Statement from the Heart of 1980s British Metal

Front cover of Black Rose's 1987 NWOBHM album Walk It How You Talk It, showing a stylized woman in a tight purple dress and fishnet stockings walking a curved sidewalk against a brick wall, with sharp white title script and the band name in jagged black letters. https://vinyl-records.nl

Released on NEAT Records, this is the second full-length album by British NWOBHM band Black Rose. Produced by Keith Nichol at Impulse 24 Studios, the record channels the raw energy of early '80s metal with ten punchy tracks filled with blazing guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Steve Bardsley's commanding vocals.

Highlights include the anthemic "California USA" and the title track "Walk It How You Talk It", both reflecting themes of rebellion and rock & roll grit. Though it never hit the mainstream, the LP remains a cult favorite among heavy metal collectors, representing a defiant burst of NWOBHM spirit near the genre’s twilight.

Black Rose's Walk It How You Talk It: A Fiery Blast of NWOBHM Brilliance

Album Description:

In the heart of the mid-80s, amidst the fading embers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a band emerged with a roar, ready to rekindle the flames of passion. That band was Black Rose, and their album "Walk It How You Talk It" was a defiant declaration that the spirit of heavy metal was far from extinguished.

Formed in the early 80s, Black Rose had been honing their craft, steadily building a devoted following through relentless touring and a raw, uncompromising sound. "Walk It How You Talk It" was the culmination of their dedication, a ten-track explosion of pure heavy metal energy that captured the essence of the NWOBHM's heyday while injecting it with a fresh dose of adrenaline.

Recorded at Impulse 24 studios in England, the album's production was helmed by Keith Nichol, a seasoned veteran known for his work with NWOBHM legends. His expertise ensured that the band's sound was captured with both clarity and intensity, preserving the raw energy of their live performances.

"Walk It How You Talk It" is a sonic journey through the heart of heavy metal, blending scorching guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and Steve Bardsley's powerful vocals into an irresistible sonic concoction. From the anthemic opener "California U.S.A." to the driving energy of the title track, every song is a testament to the band's passion and skill.

While the album's lyrics explore themes of rebellion, love, and the rock and roll lifestyle, it was the music itself that truly resonated with fans. The band's ability to blend catchy melodies with blistering instrumentals ensured that their songs remained stuck in your head long after the needle lifted from the vinyl.

Though "Walk It How You Talk It" didn't achieve mainstream success, it solidified Black Rose's position as one of the leading lights of the NWOBHM scene. Their music continues to inspire and influence generations of metalheads, a testament to the enduring power of their passion and dedication.

Band Summary: Black Rose

Black Rose was a British heavy metal band formed in the early 1980s in the North East of England. Emerging during the height of the NWOBHM movement, the band built a loyal following through energetic live performances, relentless touring, and a melodic yet heavy sound that blended traditional metal with catchy hooks.

Although they never achieved widespread commercial success, Black Rose contributed meaningfully to the NWOBHM scene. Their albums—most notably “Boys Will Be Boys” (1984) and “Walk It How You Talk It” (1987)—are celebrated by collectors and fans of underground metal. The band’s music features strong guitar work, high-energy vocals, and lyrical themes centered on rebellion, love, and the rock & roll lifestyle.

As part of the NWOBHM, Black Rose shared the stage and spirit with bands like Raven, Fist, and Blitzkrieg, all of whom helped define the British metal underground of the 1980s. While their mainstream breakthrough never materialized, their legacy endures through a dedicated fan base and reissues of their recordings.

Album Production Information:

Album Produced by Keith Nichol and "Black Rose"

Keith Nichol, Producer, Sound Engineer, ( Guest ) musician has been in-house producer for the NEAT Record label. He has been responsible for the production and sound engineering of many NWOBHM bands during the 1980s. Most notable these bands include: Atomkraft, Blitzkrieg, Fist, Raven, Venom, Warfare, and many others.

On Warfare's album "A Conflict of Hatred", Keith Nichol takes care of the production, sound engineering and as guest musician playing violin and keyboards.

Recorded at Impulse 24 England

Music Genre:

NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal

Record Label & Catalognr:

NEAT Records NEAT 1034

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 190 gram  

Year & Country:

1987 Made in England
Band Members and Musicians on: Black Rose Walk The Way You Talk it
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Gary Todd - Guitars
  • Pat O'Neill - Guitars
  • Steve Bardsley - Lead vocals, guitar
  • Mick Thompson - Bass
  • Barry Youll - Drums
Complete Track Listing of: Walk It How You Talk It

The Song/tracks on "Walk It How You Talk It" are

    Side One:
  • California USA
  • EZLY
  • Don't Fall In love
  • Bright Lights Burning
    Side Two:
  • Walk It How You Talk It
  • Shout It Out
  • Honestly Love You
  • Party Animal
  • Want Your Love