NEAT Record's History:
Neat Records, a record label based near Newcastle, England, holds a significant place in the history of British music. Founded in the late 1970s, Neat Records played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal and is widely regarded as the birthplace of the influential movement known as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). This article delves into the history of Neat Records, exploring its impact on the music industry and its role in fostering the NWOBHM movement.
The Genesis of Neat Records
Neat Records was established in 1979 by David Wood and his business partner Dave Woods. Located in Wallsend, a town near Newcastle, the label was initially an outlet for local punk bands. However, it soon became a platform for showcasing emerging heavy metal talent, which eventually led to the label's association with the NWOBHM genre.
The Rise of NWOBHM
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was a musical movement that emerged in the late 1970s and gained significant momentum in the early 1980s. It was characterized by a return to the raw, energetic roots of heavy metal and a distinct British sound. Neat Records played a crucial role in nurturing and promoting many of the pioneering bands associated with the NWOBHM.
Bands such as Venom, Raven, Tygers of Pan Tang, and Blitzkrieg found a home at Neat Records, which released their influential debut albums. These bands, along with several others, quickly gained attention for their distinctive sound and rebellious attitude, capturing the essence of the NWOBHM movement.
The Legacy of Neat Records
Neat Records' impact on the NWOBHM movement cannot be overstated. The label's commitment to fostering emerging talent and giving a platform to innovative bands helped shape the genre and solidify its place in heavy metal history.
One of the most notable releases under the Neat Records banner was Venom's "Welcome to Hell" (1981). This album, along with subsequent releases, is often credited with pioneering the subgenre of black metal, influencing countless bands in the years to come. Venom's association with Neat Records further solidified the label's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge heavy metal.
In addition to Venom, bands like Raven and Tygers of Pan Tang achieved significant success and left an indelible mark on the NWOBHM movement. Their albums released through Neat Records, such as Raven's "Rock Until You Drop" (1981) and Tygers of Pan Tang's "Wild Cat" (1980), garnered critical acclaim and gained a dedicated following.
Evolution and Beyond
As the 1980s progressed, the NWOBHM movement started to lose momentum, and Neat Records shifted its focus to other genres. The label diversified its roster, signing punk and alternative rock bands while continuing to support heavy metal acts.
Despite the label's evolving direction, the impact of Neat Records on the heavy metal genre remained undeniable. The pioneering spirit and commitment to underground music that defined the label's early years continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
| Label & Catalogno | Band/Performers - Album Title |
|---|---|
| NEAT 01 | Motorway - All I wanna be is your romeo |
| NEAT 02 | McKenzie, Janie - One and only girl |
| NEAT 03 | Tygers of Pan Tang - Don't touch me there |
| NEAT 04 | Fist - Name, rank and serial number |
| NEAT 05 | White Spirit - Backs to the grind |
| NEAT 06 | Raven - Don't need your money |
| NEAT 07 | Aragorn - Black ice |
| NEAT 08 | Venom - In league with Satan |
| NEAT 09 | Bitches Sin - Always ready for love |
| NEAT 10 | Blitzkrieg - Buried alive |
| NEAT 11 | Raven - Hard ride |
| NEAT 12 | Raw Deal - Lone wolf |
| NEAT 13 | Venom - Bloodlust |
| NEAT 14 | Steel - Rock out |
| NEAT 15 | Raven - Crash, bang, wallop |
| NEAT 16 | Jaguar - Axe craxy |
| NEAT 17 | Heavy Pettin' - Roll the dice |
| NEAT 18 | Dedringer - Hot lady |
| NEAT 19 | Crucifixion - Take it or leave it |
| NEAT 20 | Warrior - Dead when it comes to love |
| NEAT 21 | Fist - The wanderer |
| NEAT 22 | Valhalla - Comin' home |
| NEAT 23 | Sabre - Miracle man |
| NEAT 24 | Persian Risk - Ridin' high |
| NEAT 25 | - |
| NEAT 26 | Cox, Jess - Bridges |
| NEAT 27 | Venom - Die hard |
| NEAT 28 | Raven - Break the chain |
| NEAT 29 | Raven - Born to be wild |
| NEAT 30 | Saracen - We have arrived |
| NEAT 31 | Avenger - Too wild to tame |
| NEAT 32 | Tobruk - Wild on the run |
| NEAT 33 | Tysondog - Eat the rich |
| NEAT 34 | Emerson - Something special |
| NEAT 35 | Cox, Jess - One in a million |
| NEAT 36 | Valhalla - Still in love with you |
| NEAT 37 | - |
| NEAT 38 | Venom - Warhead |
| NEAT 39 | TNT - Back on the road |
| NEAT 40 | Glasgow - Stranded |
| NEAT 41 | Warfare - Noise, filth and fury |
| NEAT 42 | Mammoth - Rock night |
| NEAT 43 | Venom - Manitou |
| NEAT 44 | - |
|
Warfare's "Two Tribes," a 1984 NWOBHM 12" vinyl single, epitomizes the band's raw power and influence. Formed in 1982, Warfare, led by charismatic frontman Evo, crafted a sonic onslaught with ferocious guitar riffs and primal vocals. The EP, a product of the vibrant NWOBHM movement, showcased the band's commitment to a hard-hitting, DIY ethos. "Two Tribes" remains a pivotal chapter in British Heavy Metal's rich history. |
| NEAT 46 | - |
| NEAT 47 | Venom - Nightmare |
| NEAT 48 | - |
| NEAT 49 | - |
| NEAT 50 | She - Never surrender |
| NEAT 51 | - |
| NEAT 52 | Statetrooper - She got the look |
| NEAT 53 | - |
| NEAT 54 | - |
| NEAT 55 | - |
| NEAT 56 | Tysondog - Schools out |
| NEAT 57 | Shotgun Brides - Restless |
| NEAT 58 | Warfare - Addicted to love |
| NEATP 29 | Raven - Born to be wild |
| NEATP 43 | Venom - Manitou |
| NEATS 43 | Venom - Manitou |
| NEATS 47 | Venom - Nightmare |
| NEAT 15-12 | Raven - Crash, bang, wallop |
| NEAT 25-12 | Various - One take no dubs |
| NEAT 27-12 | Venom - Die hard |
| NEAT 29-12 | Raven - Born to be wild |
| NEAT 37-12 | Crucifixion - Green eyes |
| NEAT 38-12 | Venom - Warhead |
| NEAT 43-12 | Venom - Manitou |
| NEAT 44-12 | Lonewolf - Nobodys move |
| NEAT 45-12 | Warfare - Two tribes |
| NEAT 46-12 | Tysondog - Shoot to kill |
| NEAT 47-12 | Venom - Nightmare |
| NEAT 48-12 | Blackrose - Nightmare |
| NEAT 49-12 | Warfare - Total death |
| NEAT 50-12 | She - Never surrender |
| NEAT 52-12 | Statetrooper - She got the look |
| NEAT 53-12 | Venom - Hell at Hammersmith, live '85 |
NEAT 55-12
|
ATOMKRAFT - Queen of Death ( UK Release ) 12" Vinyl LP "ATOMKRAFT's "Queen of Death" 12" Vinyl LP, released in the UK, embodies the prowess of the English heavy/speed metal band amid the new wave of British heavy metal movement. Formed in 1979 and disbanding in 1988, Atomkraft made a lasting impact on the metal scene. This release encapsulates their musical legacy, showcasing the band's contribution to the dynamic and evolving landscape of British heavy metal during their active years.". |
| NEAT 56-12 | Tysondog - Schools out |
| NEAT 60-12 | Mantas - Deceiver |
| NEATP 47-12 | Venom - Nightmare |
| NEAT 1001 | Raven - Rock until you drop |
| NEAT 1002 | Venom - Welcome to hell |
| NEAT 1003 | Fist - Back with a vengeance |
|
NEAT 1004
|
Raven's "Wiped Out" LP, a rare Italian pressing on NEAT Records, signifies the band's evolution and transition from the label. This pivotal album blends speed metal and NWOBHM influences, encapsulating Raven's signature style. Beyond its musical significance, the vinyl's scarcity enhances its allure. As the band embraces change and signs with Megaforce Records, "Wiped Out" remains a cherished relic, embodying a crucial chapter in Raven's enduring legacy. |
| NEAT 1005 | Venom - Black metal |
| NEAT 1006 | Hellanbach - Now here this |
| NEAT 1007 | Jaguar - Power games |
| NEAT 1008 | Geordie - No sweat |
| NEAT 1009 | Dedringer - Second srising |
| NEAT 1010 | Jess Cox Band - Third step |
|
NEAT 1011
|
RAVEN's "All For One" 12" vinyl LP, released on the NEAT Italian label in 1983, epitomizes the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This album captures the band's raw energy and musical prowess. The NEAT Italian release, known for unique artwork and occasional bonus tracks, adds a distinct touch to this classic. A sonic journey through the NWOBHM era, it remains a cherished piece of heavy metal history. |
| NEAT 1012 | Satan - Court in the act |
| NEAT 1013 | Cloven Hoof - Cloven Hoof |
| NEAT 1014 | Various - Metal battle |
| NEAT 1015 | Venom - At war with Satan |
| NEAT 1016 | Saracen - Change of heart |
| NEAT 1017 | Tysondog - Beware of the dog |
| NEAT 1018 | Avenger - Blood sports |
| NEAT 1019 | Hellanbach - The big H |
| NEAT 1020 | Raven - Live at the Inferno |
| NEAT 1021 | Warfare - Pure filth |
| NEAT 1022 | Phasslayne - Cut it up |
| NEAT 1023 | Blitzkrieg - A time of changes |
| NEAT 1024 | Venom - Possessed |
| NEAT 1025 | Axewitch - Visions of the past |
|
Killer Elite" is the only studio album by the British heavy metal band Avenger, released in 1985 as a 12" vinyl LP. The album features 12 tracks of fast and aggressive music that showcase the band's New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) style. Highlights include "Revenge Attack", "(Fight For The) Right To Rock", and "Sawmill". The album received positive reviews for its high-energy performance and is considered a classic of the NWOBHM movement. The vinyl LP is highly sought after by metal fans and collectors alike. |
| NEAT 1027 | Wishbone Ash - Raw to the bone |
| NEAT 1028 | Atomkraft - Future warriors |
| NEAT 1029 | Warfare - Metal anarchy |
|
Artillery's debut album, "Fear of Tomorrow," released in 1985 by Neat Records, marked a pivotal moment in Danish thrash metal. Founded in 1982, the band, led by brothers Michael and Morten Stützer, showcased their technical prowess and raw energy. Recorded at El Sound Studio in Copenhagen, the album, with its influential sound and striking visuals, solidified Artillery's place in thrash metal history, leaving an enduring legacy. |
| NEAT 1031 | Tysondog - Crimes of insanity |
| NEAT 1032 | Venom - Eine kliene nachtmusik |
| NEAT 1033 | Various - Powertrax |
NEAT 1034
|
BLACK ROSE - Walk it how you talk it Walk It How You Talk It" by "Black Rose" is an exhilarating NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) 12" vinyl LP album. The band consists of talented musicians, including Gary Todd and Pat O'Neill on guitars, Steve Bardsley on lead vocals and guitar, Mick Thompson on bass, and Barry Youll on drums. The album showcases powerful tracks like "California USA", "EZLY", "Don't Fall In Love", "Bright Lights Burning", "Walk It How You Talk It", "Shout It Out", "Honestly Love You", "Party Animal", and "Want Your Love". |
| NEAT 1035 | Deaf Dealer - Keeper of the flame |
|
"War Machine - Unknown Soldier" is a 12" vinyl LP album released under NEAT RECORDS. This album unleashes a relentless onslaught of heavy metal power. With crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and fierce vocals, War Machine delivers an intense and captivating listening experience. "Unknown Soldier" showcases the band's mastery of the genre and solidifies their place in the realm of classic heavy metal. |
| NEAT 1037 | Tygers of Pan Tang - First kill |
| NEAT 1038 | Artillery - Terror squad |
| NEAT 1039 | Peer Gunt - Back seat |
| NEAT 1040 | Warfare - Mayhem, fucking mayhem |
| NEAT 1041 | Atomkraft - Conductors of noise |
| NEAT 1042 | Mantas - Winds of change |
| NEAT 1043 | Slutt - Model youth |
| NEAT 1044 | Warfare - Conflict of hatred |
| NEAT 1045 | Shotgun Brides - Nothin' ventured |
| NEAT 1046 | Artillery - Artillery 3 |
| NEAT 1047 | Decimator - Carnage city state mosh patrol |
| NEAT 1048 | Cronos - Dancing in the fire |
| NEATC 1000 | Various - Leadweight |
| NEATC 2001 | Various - 60 minutes plus |
| NEAT 1000 | Various - Lead weight |
| NEATP 1001 | Raven - Rock until you drop |
| NEATP 1002 | Venom - Welcome to hell |
| NEATP 1005 | Venom - Black metal |
| NEATP 1015 | Venom - At war with Satan |
| NEATP 1024 | Venom - Possessed |
| NEAT 1002 | Venom - Welcome to hell |
| NEAT 1003 | Fist - Back with a vengeance |
| NEAT 1005 | Venom - Black metal |
| NEAT 1024 | Venom - Possessed |
