EBONY Records Company Collectors Guide & Album Cover Gallery

  Ebony was a British record label which produced records for heavy metal (NWOBHM) bands like: Blade Runner , Fast Kutz , Grim Reaper . Ebony Records like "Ebony Studios, Hull, England" were founded by Darryl Johnston who has produced dozens of Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) albums during the 1980s.

Darryl Johnston, a prominent figure in the music industry, is best known as the founder of Ebony Records , a renowned record company specializing in heavy metal music, particularly the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) genre. Born on June 12, 1955, in London, England, Darryl Johnston's passion for music began at an early age.

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Growing up, Johnston was drawn to the powerful and energetic sound of heavy metal. He immersed himself in the music scene, attending concerts, exploring various subgenres, and developing a keen ear for talent. Recognizing the immense potential and rising popularity of NWOBHM, he saw an opportunity to contribute to the movement by establishing a platform for talented bands to showcase their music.

In 1982, Johnston took a leap of faith and founded Ebony Records. With a clear vision and determination, he set out to sign and produce promising heavy metal acts, aiming to provide them with the exposure and support they needed to flourish. Ebony Records quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to the genre and its dedication to nurturing emerging talent.

Throughout the 1980s, Darryl Johnston worked tirelessly, producing numerous heavy metal albums that would go on to become classics in the NWOBHM canon. His collaborations with bands such as Chateaux , Grim Reaper , Savage, Blade Runner , Samurai , and Fast Kutz showcased his keen ability to identify and cultivate exceptional musicians.

Under Johnston's guidance, Ebony Records became a beacon of the NWOBHM movement, championing the raw energy, powerful riffs, and melodic intensity that characterized the genre. The label's commitment to quality and artistic integrity contributed significantly to the growth and success of the heavy metal scene during that era.

Johnston's work at Ebony Records extended beyond album production. He took a hands-on approach, involving himself in various aspects of artist development, marketing, and promotion. His dedication and meticulous attention to detail played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many aspiring musicians.

By the late 1980s, as the musical landscape began to shift, Darryl Johnston decided to pursue new endeavors outside of the record industry. He left Ebony Records in 1987, but his contribution to the NWOBHM movement and his lasting impact on the heavy metal scene continue to resonate to this day.

In retrospect, Darryl Johnston's legacy as a visionary founder and producer at Ebony Records remains deeply etched in the world of heavy metal history. His passion, commitment, and unwavering support for NWOBHM bands helped shape the genre and paved the way for countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

Though his time at Ebony Records was relatively short-lived, Darryl Johnston's influence on the music industry endures. His unwavering dedication to heavy metal and his invaluable contributions to the NWOBHM movement solidify his place as an influential figure in the genre's evolution.

Label & Catalogno Band/Performers - Album Title

EBON 8

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VA VARIOUS ARTISTS - Metal Maniaxe

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.

EBON 13

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CHATEAUX - Chained and Desperate

"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.

Ebony Records – EBON 19

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DEMON EYES - Rites Of Chaos ( Ebony Records ) New Web-Page    

"RITES OF CHAOS" is the debut album by the French Heavy Metal band "DEMON EYES", it was released on Ebony Records in 1984. "DEMON EYES" is a Heavy Metal band from Sanois in France. This band was formed in 1982 by Thierry "Atomic Tim" Masson and Philippe "Fil Of Steel" Masson. "Demon Eyes" has mainly been active from 1982 until 1990. They reunited in 2006 but have not released any new recordings since.  

EBON 20

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STERLING COOKE FORCE - Full Force

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.

EBON 21

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BLADE RUNNER - Hunted

"Hunted" is the first/debut full-length studio album by the British Heavy Metal ( NWOBHM ) band "BLADE RUNNER", this album was released in 1984 on Ebony records. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

EBON 24

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SAMURAI - Sacred Blade

This album "SAMURAI - Sacred Blade" is the debut/first full length album by this NWOBHM band and was released in 1984. The album was released on Ebony records and produced by Darryl Johnston who also engineered two dozen of heavy metal albums between 1982 and 1990. Samurai was a British Heavy Metal band from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales and formed in 1980. They have been active from 1980 until 1987 , during this period they released two official studio albums: "Sacred Blade" in 1984 and "Weapon Master" in 1986.

EBONY EBON 29

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HAMMER - Contract with Hell (1985,UK)

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.

(1985,

EBON 30

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NIGHTMARE - Power of the Universe

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.

EBON 32

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GRIM REAPER - Fear No Evil

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.

EBON 34

RANKELSON - Hungry for Blood

RANKELSON - Hungry for Blood

"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.

EBON 44

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FAST KUTZ - Burning

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.