WILDFIRE - SUMMER LIGHTNING NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album

  "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.

 

large album front cover photo of: WILDFIRE SUMMER LIGHTNING

"Summer Lightning" Album Description:

In the world of British Heavy Metal, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era stands as a golden age that birthed iconic bands and timeless music. Among the luminaries of this movement was WILDFIRE, a spirited ensemble hailing from the bustling city of London, England. The band's fleeting existence from 1982 to 1985 left an indelible mark on the metal landscape, with their second and final album, "Summer Lightning," serving as a testament to their musical prowess.

The NWOBHM movement, which emerged in the late 1970s and peaked in the early '80s, was characterized by a surge of energy and a rebellious spirit that revitalized the metal genre. WILDFIRE, with their raw and electrifying sound, was a quintessential representative of this groundbreaking movement.

"Summer Lightning," released in 1984, stands as a pinnacle of WILDFIRE's creative journey. The album encapsulates the essence of NWOBHM with its driving guitar riffs, thunderous percussion, and anthemic vocals. It not only showcased the band's musical dexterity but also reflected the socio-cultural landscape of its time.

The creation history of "Summer Lightning" is a fascinating tale of artistic vision, perseverance, and the camaraderie that defined the NWOBHM scene. The album was born in an era when vinyl reigned supreme, and the 12" LP format was the canvas on which bands painted their sonic landscapes.

The recording sessions for "Summer Lightning" were marked by a collaborative spirit, with band members pouring their passion into each track. The title track, an electrifying anthem, captures the essence of a summer storm – unpredictable, powerful, and charged with energy. Other tracks like "Into the Fire" and "Steal the Show" showcase WILDFIRE's ability to seamlessly blend melody with metal's raw intensity.

Despite their relatively short-lived existence, WILDFIRE's impact extended beyond their discography. The dissolution of the band in 1985 saw members Paul Day and Jeff Brown embark on new musical endeavors, joining the legendary band Sweet in subsequent years. This transition marked the end of WILDFIRE's journey, but their legacy endured through the music they created and the influence they had on the evolving metal landscape.

The vinyl LP format of "Summer Lightning" adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the album's legacy. In an era before digital dominance, holding a physical record was a tactile and immersive experience. The cover art, the sleeve notes, and the ritual of placing the needle on the vinyl all contributed to the magic of the musical journey.

Music Genre:

 NWOBHM

Album Production information:

The album: "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" was produced by: Guy Bidmead for Hooligan Productions

  Guy Bidmead, producer and sound engineer has worked on the vinyl albums for several Hard Rock/Heavy Metal bands during the 1980s. These bands include: Motorhead, Wildfire, Trojan, Warfare, Exciter, Deaf Dealer, Coroner, Vanadium.

Alfie Falckenbach (1950-2016) - Executive Producer

Alfie Falckenbach was a visionary figure in the European Heavy Metal scene, known for his contributions as the founder of the Belgian record company, Mausoleum Records. Born on 7 April 1950, in Belgium, Falckenbach displayed an early passion for music and a keen entrepreneurial spirit that would lead him to shape the landscape of heavy metal in the 1980s.

Falckenbach's journey into the world of music began when he discovered his love for rock and roll during his teenage years. Inspired by the energetic and rebellious nature of the genre, he immersed himself in the music and developed a deep appreciation for heavy metal. Recognizing the potential of this genre, Falckenbach became determined to provide a platform for emerging European bands and offer them the exposure they deserved.

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In 1982, Falckenbach established Mausoleum Records, a record company dedicated to promoting and supporting heavy metal music. Through his label, he aimed to give voice to talented European bands, particularly those from his home country of Belgium. Falckenbach's commitment to fostering talent and promoting the heavy metal scene resulted in the creation of numerous influential bands.

Working closely with talented collaborators like Leo Felsenstein and Stonne Holmgren, Falckenbach nurtured the growth of Mausoleum Records. He played a pivotal role in producing and promoting the music of various European heavy metal bands, giving them a platform to showcase their talent to a wider audience. His collaborations with Felsenstein and Holmgren brought a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and business acumen to the table, contributing to the success of the record label and the bands associated with it.

Under Falckenbach's guidance, Mausoleum Records became synonymous with quality heavy metal releases, launching the careers of many iconic bands. The record label introduced the world to Belgian metal acts like Acid, Ostrogoth, Killer, and Crossfire, among others, who would go on to make their mark in the metal scene. These bands not only gained recognition within Europe but also garnered international acclaim, thanks to the efforts of Falckenbach and his team.

Falckenbach's commitment to the heavy metal movement extended beyond Mausoleum Records. He played an active role in organizing concerts and festivals, providing a platform for metal bands to connect with their fans and expand their reach. His dedication to the genre and his understanding of its nuances made him a respected figure within the heavy metal community.

Alfie Falckenbach's influence on the European heavy metal scene cannot be overstated. His founding of Mausoleum Records, his collaborations with Leo Felsenstein and Stonne Holmgren, and his unwavering support for emerging bands shaped the landscape of heavy metal music in the 1980s. Today, his contributions continue to resonate, and his legacy lives on in the enduring music of the bands he helped to establish.

Although Alfie Falckenbach is no longer with us, his impact on the heavy metal genre remains as a testament to his dedication and passion for music. His visionary approach and unwavering commitment to supporting talented artists have left an indelible mark on the history of European heavy metal.

Patrick Cogneaux - Sound Engineer

Patrick Cogneaux a sound engineer associated with "Shiva Studio, Brussels, Belgium" who has worked on albums for "FN Guns", Ostrogoth, Steelover, TSA, Wildfire, Warhead and many others.

 

Steve McNeill - Sound Engineer

Kevin Metcalf - Mastering Engineer

Claudia Randall - Photography

Francesca Sullivan - Photography

Record Label Information:

 Mausoleum records SKULL 8338

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1984 Made in Belgium

Band Members and Musicians on: WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Vocals : Paul Mario Day

    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.

  • Guitars : Jeff Summers
  • Guitars : Martin Bushell
  • Bass :Jeff Brown
  • Drums : Bruce Bisland

Track Listing of: "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning"

The Songs/tracks on "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" are

  1. The Key 04:41
  2. Summer Lightning 04:28
  3. Gun Runner 04:16
  4. Give Me Back Your Heart Again 04:08
  5. Nothing Lasts Forever 03:43
  6. Natural Selection 04:52
  7. Fight Fire With Fire 03:33
  8. Blood Money 03:54
  9. Passion For The Sun 05:18
  10. Screaming In The Night 04:03
Album cover photos of : WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning

High Resolution Photo #10 WILDFIRE Summer Lightning https://vinyl-records.nl
Back Cover  Photo of "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" Album

High Resolution Photo #11 WILDFIRE Summer Lightning https://vinyl-records.nl

Close-up of the Mausoleum Record Label of "Summer Lightning" 

Close-up of the Mausoleum Record Label of "Summer Lightning"   

 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 ).
WILDFIRE Featured records

WILDFIRE - Brute Force and Ignorance ( NWOBHM )

Thumbnail Of WILDFIRE - Brute Force and Ignorance ( NWOBHM ) album front cover

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.

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WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning NWOBHM 12" LP

Picture Of WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning NWOBHM 12" LP album front cover

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.

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Mausoleum Vinyl Records Discography