EBONY Records - Collectors Guide & Album Cover Gallery

Ebony Records was a British independent record label, primarily active during the 1980s. The label became known for specializing in heavy metal and hard rock, particularly within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Founded by Darryl Johnston, Ebony Records played a crucial role in launching and promoting underground metal bands, helping them gain exposure in an era dominated by major labels.

The label is best known for signing bands such as Grim Reaper, Chateaux, and Samurai, among others. Grim Reaper, in particular, achieved notable success with their debut album, See You in Hell (1983), which was released under Ebony Records. The label often provided young, unsigned bands an opportunity to record and release albums, though it was sometimes criticized for its restrictive contracts and production quality.

Despite its influence on the NWOBHM scene, Ebony Records eventually faded from prominence. However, its legacy remains significant in the metal community as an incubator for some of the genreā€™s rising stars in the '80s

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 .

Ebony Records Vinyl Discography

Ebony Records Collection (Ordered by Catalognr)

VA VARIOUS ARTISTS - Metal Maniaxe
Ebony Records (EBON 8)
VA VARIOUS ARTISTS - Metal Maniaxe album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

The "Metal Maniaxe NWOBHM Ebony Records" 12" Vinyl LP Album pays homage to the vibrant New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene, exclusively featuring Rock and Metal bands under the distinguished EBONY Records banner. Released as a testament to the label's commitment to the genre, this album serves as a sonic journey through the diverse sounds of NWOBHM. A compilation of raw energy and musical innovation, it captures the essence of a pivotal era in Rock and Metal history.

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CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate
Ebony Records (EBON 13) - 1984
CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

"Chained and Desperate" is the debut full-length album by the British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) band "Chateaux", released in 1984 on Ebony Records. This album was produced by "Darryl Johnston", the owner of Ebony Records. The album cover artwork was designed by "Garry Sharpe", known for his work on covers for Grim Reaper, Savage, Fast Kutz, and many others.

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DEMON EYES - Rites Of Chaos
Ebony Records (EBON 19) - 1984
DEMON EYES - Rites Of Chaos album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

"Rites Of Chaos" is the debut album by the French Heavy Metal band "DEMON EYES", released on Ebony Records in 1984. Hailing from Sanois, France, the band was founded in 1982 by Thierry "Atomic Tim" Masson and Philippe "Fil Of Steel" Masson. DEMON EYES was active from 1982 until 1990, delivering powerful and intense heavy metal. They reunited in 2006, though no new recordings have been released since.

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STERLING COOKE FORCE - Full Force
Ebony Records (EBON 20) - French Release
STERLING COOKE FORCE - Full Force album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

The French release of Sterling Cooke Force's "Full Force" 12" vinyl LP album features an explosive track-listing that embodies the band's hard-hitting rock sound. With energetic songs like "Hit and Run", "She's Gonna Get You", and "Ain't Wasting My Time", the album delivers relentless guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and catchy melodies. It's a thrilling musical journey filled with attitude, passion, and raw rock 'n' roll energy.

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BLADE RUNNER - Hunted
Ebony Records (EBON 21) - 1984
BLADE RUNNER - Hunted album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

"Hunted" is the debut full-length studio album by the British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) band "BLADE RUNNER". Released in 1984 on Ebony Records, this album showcases the band's powerful sound and energy. This web page includes album cover photos, inner sleeves, record labels, production details, musicians, and a full track listing.

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SAMURAI - Sacred Blade
Ebony Records (EBON 24) - 1984
SAMURAI - Sacred Blade album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

This album "SAMURAI - Sacred Blade" is the debut full-length release by this NWOBHM band and was released in 1984. Issued on Ebony Records, the album was produced by Darryl Johnston, who engineered over two dozen heavy metal albums between 1982 and 1990. Samurai was a British Heavy Metal band from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, active from 1980 until 1987. During this period, they released two official studio albums: "Sacred Blade" in 1984 and "Weapon Master" in 1986.

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HAMMER - Contract with Hell
Ebony Records (EBON 29) - 1985, UK
HAMMER - Contract with Hell album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

The original UK release of Hammer's "Contract with Hell" 12" vinyl LP album presents a formidable collection of NWOBHM tracks. Side One features the fierce energy of "Caution to the Wind," "Try It," "Hey You," and the title track "Contract with Hell." Side Two continues the onslaught with powerful songs like "Hard Hittin' Woman," "Satellite," "Prayer of a Soldier," and "Across the Line." It's a headbanging journey through classic British heavy metal.

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NIGHTMARE - Power of the Universe
Ebony Records (EBON 30) - 1985
NIGHTMARE - Power of the Universe album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

Nightmare, the French metal powerhouse, unveils their sonic prowess in "Power of the Universe," a 12" vinyl LP album. Released with fervor, this musical odyssey showcases Nightmare's mastery of the metal genre. From blistering riffs to haunting melodies, the album weaves a tapestry of intensity. A testament to their artistry, "Power of the Universe" solidifies Nightmare's standing in the metal realm.

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GRIM REAPER - Fear No Evil
Ebony Records (EBON 32)
GRIM REAPER - Fear No Evil album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

Grim Reaper's 1985 release "Fear No Evil" is a heavy metal classic that showcases the band's hard-edged sound and powerful vocals. The album, released on Ebony Records, features ten tracks that solidify Grim Reaper's status as a force to be reckoned with in the metal genre.

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RANKELSON - Hungry for Blood
Ebony Records (EBON 34)
RANKELSON - Hungry for Blood album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

"Hungry for Blood," the debut 12" LP Vinyl Album by Rankelson, etches a compelling chapter in the world of British Heavy Metal during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era. Released in 1986, this seminal work showcases the prowess of the Cardiff-based band. Rankelson's journey, spanning from 1984 to 1988, is encapsulated in this album, a relic of the NWOBHM movement. Each track resonates with the raw energy and spirit that defined this influential period in heavy metal history.

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FAST KUTZ - Burning
Ebony Records (EBON 44)
FAST KUTZ - Burning album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl

In the vast tapestry of heavy metal history, there are bands that shine briefly, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. One such band is Fast Kutz, a British heavy metal outfit hailing from Cleveland, England. Active from 1984 to 1987, they released their only record, "Burnin'". This 12" vinyl LP album encapsulates the raw power and energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Produced by Darryl Johnston and featuring Garry Sharpe's captivating artwork, "Fast Kutz - Burnin'" is a rare gem that showcases the band's formidable talent.

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