grim reaper

Grim Reaper (band)

Grim Reaper are a British heavy metal band from the NWOBHM era. The band were formed in 1979 in Droitwich, England, by guitarist Nick Bowcott.

History

Early years (1979-1984)

They were discovered after winning a Battle of the Bands featuring over 100 bands. They were eventually signed to Darryl Johnston's Ebony Records, and their debut album was See You in Hell. The album was released in 1984 and was distributed worldwide through RCA Records.

Commercial success (1985-1986)

Grim Reaper soon became readily identifiable with Bowcott's skillful guitar work and lead vocalist Steve Grimmett's well executed falsetto vocals. Their successful world tour included a support show at Texxas Jam playing to over 20,000 people. Their 1985 follow-up, Fear No Evil, showed improvement on the production front and also enjoyed moderate success in both the United States and Europe.

Legal battles and later years (1987-1988)

Legal battles with Ebony Records delayed the release of the band's third album Rock You to Hell by almost 2 years. The album was released directly through RCA Records in 1987. However, by this time Grim Reaper's melodic power metal sound had fallen out of favor as much of the metal market moved toward heavier fare like thrash metal and speed metal. Even the major label distribution and popular video for the title track could not save the band. With the production of their fourth studio album (reportedly to be called Nothing Whatsoever to Do with Hell) about to start, another round of legal action from Ebony Records effectively dealt the death blow to Grim Reaper, subsequently disbanding in 1988.

Side projects (1988-2006)

Grimmett went on to front Onslaught and Lionsheart, as well as perform on several tribute albums. Bowcott became a freelance music writer, and later staff contributor, for publications like Circus and Guitar World. Bowcott also worked with Marshall Amplification's United States division.

Current (2006-present)

In 2006, Eddie Trunk announced on Metal Mania that the band has reformed. The "original" lineup of Grim Reaper (without Nick Bowcott) played the Keep It True VI festival in Lauda-Königshoffen on 8 April 2006.

Band members

Current members

Steve Grimmett - lead vocals (1979-1981, 1981-1988, 2006-present)
Ian Nash - guitars (2006-present)
Ritchie Walker - bass (1979, 2006-present)
Pete Newdeck - drums (1979-1981, 2006-present)

Former members

Nick Bowcott - guitars (1979-1988)
Dave Wanklin - bass (1981-1987)
Geoff Curtis - bass (1987 - 1988)
Lee Harris - drums (1982-1984)
Mark Simon - drums (1984 - 1988)
Kevin Neale - bass (1979-1981)
Adrian Jacques - drums (1981-1982)
Paul DeMercado - lead vocals (1981)

Discography

Studio albums

See You in Hell (1984)
Fear No Evil (1985)
Rock You to Hell (1987)
Nothing Whatsoever to Do with Hell (Unreleased) (1988)

Compilations

Best of Grim Reaper (1999)

Trivia

Their 1985 video for "Fear No Evil", in which the band fights an evil wolf man and frees his slaves, was reused by Weezer in 2005 as the video for their single "We Are All on Drugs".