Album review: BATTLEAXE – Heavy Metal Sanctuary

Steamhammer/SPV [Release date 24.02.14]

Originally part of the mid 80s era New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWoBHM), Battleaxe released tracks on several compilations as well as two albums in 1983 and 1984; both have since been reissued on CD, as has a CD-EP.

The band reformed in 2010 for a performance at Wacken and started work on this album the following year; alongside original members vocalist Dave King (not to be confused with the Fastway singer of the same name) and bassist Brian Smith are guitarist Mick Percy and drummer Paul Atkinson.

The opening title track is typically NWoBHM with a modern edge – there is a heavy rough edge and plenty of passion and power over polish. Hail To The King hints at 1980 Saxon with a nod to Iron Maiden’s guitar harmonies, and when the cheese grater isn’t working on the vocals and guitar there’s a couple of melodic moments tool.

The rhythms are solid, the guitars rough and often blistering (with a few decent solos thrown in), and vocals mix solid rock and brutal metal; the power and energy are all here yet the production (with a few atmospheric intros and build-ups) tell you this is NWoBHM for the 21st Century. ***1/2

Review by Joe Geesin

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)