WILDFIRE, a prominent British NWOBHM band from 1982 to 1985, etched their legacy with the iconic album"Brute Force And Ignorance." Led by Paul Mario Day, formerly of Iron Maiden, the band's debut in 1983 showcased powerful vocals and dynamic compositions. Though short-lived, WILDFIRE's impact on the NWOBHM scene endures through their timeless sonic masterpiece, a testament to an era defined by unbridled musical expression.
In the world of British Heavy Metal history, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era stands as a testament to the genre's evolution and the emergence of remarkable bands that shaped its destiny. Among these, WILDFIRE, a London-based outfit that blazed a trail in the early '80s, left an indelible mark with their iconic album "Brute Force And Ignorance."
Formation and Influences
WILDFIRE came into existence in 1982, a time when the NWOBHM movement was at its zenith. Comprising talented musicians from the vibrant London music scene, the band brought together a unique blend of energy, technical prowess, and a rebellious spirit. Influenced by the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Saxon, WILDFIRE was poised to contribute to the sonic landscape of British Heavy Metal.
The Lineup: Paul Mario Day and the Brotherhood of Metal
At the forefront of WILDFIRE's sonic assault was lead singer Paul Mario Day, a familiar name to fans of Iron Maiden. Day's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence added a distinctive edge to the band's sound. With a lineup that included talented musicians such as guitarist Baz Downes, bassist Jeff Summers, drummer Steve Prosser, and keyboardist James J. Martin, WILDFIRE was a force to be reckoned with.
"Brute Force And Ignorance": The Magnum Opus
In 1983, WILDFIRE unleashed their debut full-length album, "Brute Force And Ignorance," a title that encapsulated the raw, unbridled energy that defined the NWOBHM movement. The album, released on the Ebony Records label, featured a collection of tracks that showcased the band's songwriting prowess and musical dexterity.
Legacy and Demise
While "Brute Force And Ignorance" solidified WILDFIRE's position in the NWOBHM pantheon, the band's journey was regrettably short-lived. A follow-up album, "Summer Lightning," arrived in 1984, showcasing the band's commitment to evolving their sound. However, internal challenges and the shifting musical landscape led to WILDFIRE disbanding in 1985.
The album: "WILDFIRE – Brute Force And Ignorance" was produced by: John McGowan
Executive Producers: Alfie Falckenbach, Jack Mauer
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): John McGowan, Paul Mario Day
This album was recorded and mixed at: Shiva Studio.
Shiva Studio a Belgian Sound Recording Studio located in Brussels and during the 1980s used by Heavy Metal band like: FN Guns, Ostrogoth, Scavenger, TSA, Wildfire. Sound engineers working at Shiva included Jos Kloek and Patrick Cogneaux.
Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8307
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1983 Belgium
Paul Mario Day is a British singer and the first singer in the British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) band: "Iron Maiden" from 1975 until 1976. In 1986 Paul Day migrated to Australia.
Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8307 , 1983 , Belgium
WILDFIRE, a prominent British NWOBHM band from 1982 to 1985, etched their legacy with the iconic album "Brute Force And Ignorance." Led by Paul Mario Day, formerly of Iron Maiden, the band's debut in 1983 showcased powerful vocals and dynamic compositions. Though short-lived, WILDFIRE's impact on the NWOBHM scene endures through their timeless sonic masterpiece, a testament to an era defined by unbridled musical expression.
Show Details
Mausoleum records SKULL 8338 , 1984 , Belgium
"WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning," the NWOBHM gem, embodies the movement's spirit with its raw energy and anthemic tracks. Released in 1984, it's a testament to the band's brief yet impactful journey. The vinyl LP format adds nostalgia, offering collectors a tangible piece of metal history. WILDFIRE's legacy lives on, not just in music but as a time capsule of the vibrant NWOBHM era.
Learn moreMAUSOLEUM Records: Belgian keepers of a vast vinyl legacy. Founded in 1980, their catalog spans heavy metal, hard rock, and punk. Discover rare gems, cult classics, and legendary artists. Dive into their discography and unearth the sonic treasures waiting to be spun.