The heavy metal revival is one that shows no symptoms of wilting. Wave upon wave of skinny jean-clad and puffy-haired youngsters around the globe who were barely alive in heavy metal's heyday are releasing demos, EPs and albums relentlessly and successfully cultivating an underground following. Old bands who were almost forgotten have been connected to a new generation of fans and this is no bad thing. A sizeable portion of the attendees gathered to see this version of Grim Reaper tonight match this description. Formed in 1979, Grim Reaper dropped three albums of firm heavy metal on to the world before calling it quits in 1988. However in 2006, vocalist Steve Grimmett reanimated the band as Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper with his solo backing band composing the remainder of the line up. After a successful show last year, Grimmett and company are back in the nation's capital for another round of old school metal.
Support is from London's own Amulet, formed in 2010 and with on full-length to their name. Given the recent explosion in heavy metal bands starting out, Amulet have earned a badge of honour in the form of a record deal with Century Media despite retaining an underground following. This month sees the release of their debut effort 'The First'. Although the music shies away exploring new paths, inspired heavily by NWoBHM, Amulet's no frills style works fittingly in the live environment as an appetiser of things to come with spurts of headbanging among the punters appearing throughout their set. Their metal may not be particularly memorable but this quintet is certainly having fun playing classic rocking melodies.
Opening with the dynamic 'Rock You to Hell' from their last album of the same name, Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper are not shy in bringing their brand of classic heavy metal to the adoring fans. Vocalist Steve Grimmett's voice remains strong, kitting the songs with an accomplished grandeur, while maintaining a lively stage presence, and the rest of the band loyally recreate these classic heavy metal tunes.
The setlist is filled with New Wave of British Heavy Metal anthems from each of Grim Reaper's three full-lengths. Although 'See You in Hell' is probably their most familiar studio effort, the selection of tracks performed is democratic and inclusive to all releases. 'Fear No Evil', 'Never Coming Back' and 'Liar' are straight-to-the-point heavy metal tracks with a theatrical and entertaining air over complexity. The audience are even treated to the title track of the forth-coming album 'From Hell', a number that firmly rejects modernity and proudly retains the '80s heavy metal spirit. Another highlight of the set is the tribute to the legendary Ronnie James Dio with a rendition of the varied track 'Don't Talk to Strangers' that remains faithful to the original and sees the audience singing along emotively.
After closing song 'Waysted Love', the band vacates the stage only to pulled back to the stage by the fans' incessant chanting. The cartoon-y intro to 'Final Scream' gives the next track away as the crowd are offered up a serving of heavy metal horror. Of course, no Grim Reaper concert would be complete without the inclusion of their most popular creation 'See You in Hell', effortlessly acquiring the strongest reaction from the audience and appropriately concluding the set.
There may be a renewed interest in classic heavy metal in the past few years with a plethora of new talent contributing to the scene. However, Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper have verified that they can stand toe-to-toe with the fresh blood and retain relevancy in today's metal scene. With a new album on the horizon, fans of this vintage act can hope that they return to London for another solid show with new heavy metal tunes in their repertoire.
FUTURE GIGS
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