ATTACKER - Battle At Helms Deep 12" Vinyl LP Album

- RoadrunneR Records

New Jersey's Attacker made waves in the mid-1980s with their debut album "Battle at Helms Deep". Released in 1985 on Roadrunner Records, the album stands as a testament to the raw, unbridled energy of the burgeoning American heavy metal scene.

The Age of Steel

Attacker emerged in a period when heavy metal was evolving rapidly. Bands like Metallica and Slayer were pushing the boundaries of speed and aggression, while traditional heavy metal acts like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden maintained their dominance. Attacker's sound drew inspiration from both camps: their songs were fast and furious but retained a strong sense of melody and classic song structure.

Unleashing the Fury

"Battle at Helms Deep" explodes with raw power. Tracks like "The Hermit", "The Wrath of Nevermore", and the title track showcase the band's blistering guitar work, pummeling drums, and the soaring vocals of frontman Bob Mitchell. Mitchell's voice possesses a unique grit and intensity, adding another layer of aggression to Attacker's sound. The album's lyrics often delve into themes of fantasy and battle, a staple of the era.

Production and Controversy

While the album's production is purposefully rough around the edges, reflecting the DIY spirit of the underground metal scene, this also became a point of contention for some listeners. The rawness of the mix added to the album's charm, while others found it lacking in polish compared to larger label releases of the time.

Before they unleashed the sonic fury of "Battle at Helms Deep," Attacker's story began in the tight-knit music scene of Old Bridge, New Jersey. Guitarists Pat Marinelli and Jim Mooney were the band's driving force, their shared passion for heavy metal sparking the initial flame.

Bound by their love of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the duo knew they had to create their own brand of aggressive, melodic metal. Enter vocalist Bob Mitchell, whose powerful voice infused the band with its unique intensity. The addition of drummer Mike Sabatelli brought rhythmic thunder, solidifying Attacker's core.

The band's chemistry was undeniable. Marinelli and Mooney's guitar work intertwined seamlessly, their riffs a relentless assault with surprising melodic twists. Sabatelli's thunderous drumming propelled the songs forward with relentless energy. And then, of course, Mitchell's vocals soared above it all, equal parts gritty and soaring.

Early demos gained them attention in the underground tape-trading scene. Their music, raw and passionate, embodied the DIY spirit of the time. Roadrunner Records recognized their potential, signing them and leading to the pivotal release of "Battle at Helms Deep".

The Core of the Storm

While the band experienced lineup changes over the years, the core that shaped Attacker's early sound and established their legacy was:

Pat Marinelli (Guitar): A riff-master whose work fueled Attacker's aggressive yet melodic attack.

Jim Mooney (Guitar): Complemented Marinelli perfectly, adding depth and complexity to the guitar onslaught.

Bob Mitchell (Vocals): The band's fiery frontman, his powerful vocals were critical to Attacker's signature intensity.

Mike Sabatelli (Drums): The relentless backbone of the music, providing a thunderous rhythmic foundation.