Widow

A mysterious NWOBHM act who released a self financed album in 1983 titled funnily enough 'Widow'. Recorded at Wickham studios in Surrey and sounding very much in the mould of Witchfynde and lesser metal acts like Legend and Omega. The Satanic imagery of the cover and song titles makes this eligible for this compilation and to verify that fact the band members used pseudonyms like, ReBeth [guitar/ vocals], Rex Duval [drums], and Phillip Damien Hyde [bass]. This is probably the rarest track on this Cd and even rarer is the probability that one of one lot own a copy of the Widow album. Such was the speed in which the band came and went without leaving barely any trace that they ever existed at all. That said the music is a priceless piece of British Occult Metal history and one that fully deserves its place here.
[ Widow: please contact Godreah]

Witchfynde

Shrouded in mystery this New Wave of British Heavy Metal act first appeared on the scene in 1980 with the 'Give 'em Hell' album [ most noted for its Satanic cover art] which aired a more unconventional Metal approach. The line up was, Montalo [guitars], Gra Scoresby [drums], Steve Bridge [vocals] and Ando Coulton [bass]. The second album 'Stagefright' also released in 1980 is probably their strongest and featured Pete Surge [bass]. 'Cloak and Dagger' was released in 1983 with new vocalist Luther Beltz and this revealed a more consistent sound and in 1984 Lords of Sin appeared with a more conventional approach, yet could not prevent the band from disappearing into the dark realms of cult status. 
The band have now reformed with two original members, Montalo, Gra Scoresby, Pete Surge and new addition Harry Harrison [vocals]. A new album is soon to be unleashed and as always, very little is being disclosed about the inner workings of the band.

www.witchfynde.com

Give 'em Hell 7"1979
Give 'em Hell 1980
In the Stars 7" 1980
Stagefright 1980
Cloak and Dagger 1983
I'D Rather go Wild 7" 1983
Conspiracy 1984
Lords of Sin 1984

Hell

Hailing from Nottinghamshire and comprising of, Dave Halliday [vocals and sadly no longer with us], Kev Bower [guitars], Tony Speakman [bass] and Tim Bowler [drums].
Black Metal in the vein of Merciful Fate as opposed to the more gnarled approach of Venom. The single 'Save us from those who would save us' [which is featured here], and released on the 'Deadly Weapon' label, the B-side being an instrumental titled 'Death Squad'. shows the band in full flight and reveals a very Metal feel verging on the thrash influences descending from over the Atlantic. The band actually played a few decent gigs and even supported the likes of Uriah Heep. Apart from the 7" there are demo recordings containing tracks like, Plague and Fire and Land of the Living Dead. Sadly, the band disappeared into obscurity soon after. It is a well documented fact that Sabbat's Andy Sneap proudly cites Hell as a main influence. [the late Dave Halliday actually teaching Andy to play guitar]
[Hell: please contact Godreah]