ABADDON

FRIDAY NIGHTS ALRIGHT for New Wave of British Heavy Metal band, Avenger

/ Alikivi

In the early 80s Tyneside based Avenger released two albums on the Neat record label – ‘Blood Sports’ and ‘Killer Elite’ both firmly planted the band on the NWOBHM map.

Fast forward to 2023 and their last show was three months ago in Spain at the Galia Metal Fest near Madrid…

“It was a cracking festival just in its first edition” said drummer Gary Young.

Next up is an explosive triple bill of classic NWOBHM on Friday 1st September. Joining Avenger are Spartan Warrior plannng an old school 80s set and an exclusive Venom set from Abaddon.

“I think we’ve played more shows with Spartan Warrior than any other band we know. We have a smooth working relationship with them and that makes touring alongside them very easy”.

“We’ve played with Abaddon too, and been friends with him for nearly 40 years! It’s always an honour to share the stage with him and the lads”.

The three bands will be playing on home turf at Trillians Rock Bar in Newcastle…

“We love Trillians….so much history, so many memorable shows there in the past – both as punters and playing. The place is essential to the music scene’s health”.

How influential has NWOBHM been?

“I think New Wave of British Heavy Metal has been a keystone to how current metal music has developed and that’s recognised by people especially when discovering metal for the first time.”

“When researching a bands history they can identify the whole legacy, for example Metallica were influenced by NWOBHM”.

After 40 plus years the NWOBHM North East Division of Satan, Raven and Tygers of Pan Tang are still breathing fire wherever they turn up.

“How has NWOBHM endured 40 odd years? Simple, the sheer quality of the bands”.

Free night of classic NWOBHM at Trillians Rock Bar, Newcastle, Friday 1st September 2023.

Alikivi   August 2023

Link to 2017 interview with Gary Young, Avenger:

YOUNG BLOOD – interview with Avenger and Repulsive Vision drummer Gary Young | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)

FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED with New Wave of British Heavy Metal band, TROYEN

/ Alikivi

After re-forming in 2014 Warrington based Troyen have played a number of UK and European festivals but their first bite out of the NWOBHM scene was in the early 80s.

A big impact was made on the live circuit opening for Spider, Girlschool, Diamond Head and a European tour supporting Nightwing.

“We have many memories of gigs in the 80’s” said drummer Jeff Baddley.

“We almost left a roadie in an autobahn service station. We saw him frantically running down the road waving his arms to get our attention. Another time we parked our tour bus in an Embassy drive way – didn’t know that at the time – and were woken by armed guards inside the bus demanding ID”.

“When we opened for Spider they liked our track ‘Crazy Lady’ so much they wanted to buy it…we declined the offer”.

A demo, and first production job for Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Pixies) was released in 1981.

Jeff added “It was a great experience, our good friends Nightwing were in the studio next-door. Gil Norton was great to work with. He was very young and very skilled. We recorded, mixed and produced the four tracks in three days”.

It quickly sold out earning a deal with legendary North East studio Neat records, but the band split before the ink was dry on the contract.

Fast forward to May 2024 – you can never be too early to advertise an event – and after a gig in Edinburgh, Scotland on the 18th, Troyen will be jumping over Hadrians Roman Wall to Newcastle Trillians on the 19th for a night dedicated to the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.

“Our new album will be out in May 2024 so the set will be filled with new tracks off the as yet untitled album, and classic back catalogue stuff” Jeff explained.

Trillians Rock Bar already has a number of NWOBHM events lined up this year. Dates from powerhouse metallers Tytan and Trespass, while playing on home turf and delivering bone crunching impact are Abaddon, Avenger, Millenium and Spartan Warrior.

Not forgetting a night with the now legendary Tygers of Pan Tang – al’ the way from Whitley Bay! Another band who’ve had numerous line-up changes and are still on the prowl after 40 years plus. 2023 has brought a new album and European gigs.

More live dates for Troyen are 2 September, Flames Still Burns Festival, Nuneaton. 6 October, The Carlisle, Hastings. 7 October, British Steel Festival, France and for 2024 so far 20 January, The Cavern, London. 18 May, Bannermans, Edinburgh. 19 May free entry to Trillians, Newcastle with special guests Culloden.

Troyen 2023 line-up – Jeff Baddley – drums/backing vox, Steve McGuire – guitar/backing vox, Mark Nortley – bass, Simon Lind – guitar/backing vox, Sy Davis -vocals.

Alikivi   August 2023

Link to interview with Troyen drummer Jeff Baddley in 2017.

BACK FOR GOOD ? Return of NWOBHM band Troyen | ALIKIVI UK : NORTH EAST CULTURE (garyalikivi.com)