CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Chained and Desperate" by the British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) "Chateaux" is their first offical full-length album and was released in 1984 on Ebony Records. This album has produced by "Darryl Johnsto n" the owner of "Ebony Records". Album cover artwork was done by "Garry Sharpe" who has also worked on album covers for Grim Reaper, Savage, Fast Kutz, and many others.

The artwork features a captivating scene that combines elements of fantasy and rebellion. At the forefront, a chained figure, presumably symbolic of the desperation alluded to in the album title, stands against a backdrop of a desolate and ominous landscape. The chains that bind the figure suggest themes of struggle and resistance, echoing the rebellious spirit often associated with NWOBHM.  

"Chained and Desperate,"Album Description:

In the vibrant tapestry of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, one band that etched its mark with raw energy and unbridled passion was Chateaux. Their inaugural full-length album, "Chained and Desperate," released in 1984 on Ebony Records, stands as a testament to the golden era of British metal.

Crafted under the watchful eye of Darryl Johnston, the maestro behind Ebony Records, "Chained and Desperate" emerges as a compelling showcase of Chateaux's musical prowess. The album, wrapped in the artistic finesse of Garry Sharpe, renowned for his work with Grim Reaper, Savage, and Fast Kutz, captures the essence of an era marked by sonic innovation and rebellious spirit.

The album opens with a thunderous declaration of intent in the form of its title track, "Chained and Desperate." The relentless guitar riffs and powerhouse vocals set the tone for an auditory journey that encapsulates the very essence of NWOBHM. The lyrical themes, echoing tales of rebellion, despair, and resilience, resonate with the socio-political climate of the time.

Tracks like "Spirit" and "Burn Out at Dawn" showcase the band's ability to seamlessly blend melodic elements with the unapologetic aggression characteristic of the genre. Chateaux's musicality shines through in the intricate guitar solos and tight-knit rhythm section, reminiscent of the NWOBHM greats.

One cannot overlook the album's cover art, a creation of Garry Sharpe, which serves as a visual gateway into the sonic landscape within. The cover, adorned with symbolic imagery, captures the essence of Chateaux's music—a rebellious spirit shackled by the constraints of a society in flux.

"Chained and Desperate" not only solidified Chateaux's place in the NWOBHM pantheon but also contributed to the rich tapestry of British metal history. Its influence can be heard in the subsequent works of metal acts that drew inspiration from the raw, unfiltered energy that defines this album.

Album Fact Sheet: CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate
Music Genre: NWOBHM, Heavy Metal 
Album Production Information: 

The album: "CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate" was produced by: Darryl Johnston

Darryl Johnston, a key figure in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), founded Ebony Records in 1982, providing a platform for emerging metal bands. His work with artists like Grim Reaper and Chateaux helped shape the genre. Though he left the industry in 1987, his impact endures. Learn more about his legacy.

This album was recorded at: Ebony Studios, Hull, England.

  • Garry Sharpe-Young – Album Cover Design Garry Sharpe-Young was a British metal historian, writer and graphic designer whose work mapped countless rock and NWOBHM bands from the late 1970s through the 2000s. He documented scenes, interviewed artists, and designed several 80s metal releases. Read more on Garry
    • Record Company / Catalog number / Label: EBON 13
    Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  
    Year & Country:  1983 Made in GB
    Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Steve Grimitt - Vocals

      Steve Grimitt served as the distinctive voice of Chateaux, lending his powerful vocals to the band's sonic identity. His dynamic and commanding delivery added a unique dimension to the NWOBHM sound. Grimitt's vocal prowess contributed significantly to the band's ability to convey themes of rebellion and resilience in their music.

    • Alex Houston - Bass, vocals

      As the bassist and a vocal contributor, Alex Houston played a crucial role in shaping Chateaux's rhythmic foundation. The combination of his bass lines and vocal harmonies with Grimitt added depth to the band's overall sound. Houston's dual role showcased his versatility as a musician and contributed to the band's dynamic stage presence

    • Andre Baylis - Drums, Vocals

      Drummer extraordinaire, Andre Baylis, provided the rhythmic heartbeat of Chateaux. His percussive skills laid the groundwork for the band's energetic and driving sound. Baylis's ability to seamlessly integrate vocal contributions while maintaining the band's relentless pace demonstrated his multifaceted musical abilities.

    • Tim Broughton - Guitars, Artwork

      Tim Broughton, the guitarist responsible for the band's electrifying riffs, played a pivotal role in defining Chateaux's guitar-driven sound. His guitar work not only showcased technical proficiency but also contributed to the melodic and aggressive facets of the NWOBHM genre. Additionally, Broughton's artistic talents extended beyond music, as he also took charge of the album artwork, including the visually striking cover of "Chained and Desperate."

    Complete Track-listing of the album "CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate"

    The detailed tracklist of this record "CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate" is:

      Track-listing Side One:
    1. Chained And Desperate
    2. Spirit Of The Chateaux
    3. Burn Out At Dawn
    4. The Dawn Surrendered
      Track-listing Side Two:
    1. Straight To The Heart
    2. Baton Rouge
    3. Son Of Seattle
    4. Shine On Forever
     
    High Resolution Photo #1 CHATEAUX Chained and Desperate  

    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 )

    Album Back Cover  Photo of "CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate"
     
    High Resolution Photo #2 CHATEAUX Chained and Desperate  
    Photo of "CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate" 12" LP Record - Side One:
     
    High Resolution Photo #3 CHATEAUX Chained and Desperate  
    Photo of "CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
     
    High Resolution Photo #4 CHATEAUX Chained and Desperate