Grim Reaper

Grim Reaper came and went after three albums. All were filled with the demonic imagery that marked similar heavy bands of the mid-'80s. But, unlike some of their hard-rocking brethren, this furious foursome managed to chart in the United States with all of their releases.



The group was formed in 1979 in their native Droitwich, England, by guitarist Nick Bowcott, who would also be credited for chants on their albums. He worked with various local players before finally settling on a line-up that included singer Steve Grimmett, bass guitarist Dave Wanklin and various drummers. Building a following around their hometown, they got a big break in 1981 when a track called "The Reaper" (with a singer other than Grimmett) was featured on "Heavy Metal Heroes," a compilation of hard rock bands. Big break two came when they were signed by Darryl Johnston, president of England's Ebony Records. Johnston decided to work with the group after hearing three tracks produced in a marathon 24-hour recording session Grim Reaper had won after besting 100 other competitors in a local "battle of the

bands".



Formed in 1979, and featuring Steve Grimmett (vocals), Nick Bowcott (guitars), Dave Wanklin (bass) and Lee Hams (drums), Grim Reaper are a typical example of the bands that formed the UK heavy metal revival of the early 80s known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. They epitomized most of the movement's strengths (a fresh, down-to-earth approach, enthusiasm, and powerful but melodic guitar riffs), but also the weaknesses that plagued it (bargain-basement production values and daftly melodramatic lyrics delivered in an inappropriate falsetto). In 1994 one of their videos was dragged out of the crates in the MTV cartoon Beavis And Butthead, and was introduced with an incredulous 'Is this Spinal Tap?'. While they flirted with infernal imagery, Grim Reaper were never a Satanic band, as was claimed by some critics (including fundamentalist Christian preachers), and actually suffered from being a little bland. Their debut, See You In Hell, was probably Grim Reaper's finest moment, particularly the catchily anthemic title track, and the band enjoyed some success on both sides of the Atlantic during the mid-80s. Ultimately, they could neither repeat nor build on this success, and in 1988 they broke up. Grimmett joined Onslaught, then Lionsheart.