MUSIC FIX OF THE DAY: Grim Reaper "Walking in the Shadows"

MUSIC FIX OF THE DAY
OCTOBER 22. 2016

STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER

"Walking in the Shadows

Dissonance Productions

Released: Oct 14, 2016

Back in 1984 when Grim Reaper released "See You In Hell" I was fully enveloped in the worldwide hardcore punk scene and was paying absolutely zero attention to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (commonly abbreviated as NWOBHM). 

As I got older my music appreciation expanded greatly.

So rather than as a teenager (when the debut Grim Reaper LP was released) I am a 50 year old man who has been walking around the house singing "See You in Hell" all week leading up to Saturday the October 22, 2016 gig at Jabber Jaws in Allentown PA, The great thing is I still have the excitement of a teenager when I head out to see a band!  

Loudwires' 10 greatest NWOBHM bands

10. Girlschool

9.   Grim Reaper

8.   Satan

7.   Angel Witch

6.   Witchfinder General

5.   Saxon

4.   Venom

3.   Motörhead

2.   Judas Priest

1.   Iron Maiden

Flash forward three decades and the just released, "Walking in the Shadows" by Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper is a modern day classic of the NWOBHM.

Check the video for the title track "Walking in the Shadows":

In all its rock excess glory. 

I played "I'm Coming For You" (my favorite song off the new album) for my son. "Is that a guy singing?" Of course he isn't used to Judas Priest or Iron Maiden falsetto either. Steve Grimmett's voice is amazing. You can add the "for his age" on there, but for any age, Steve Grimmett's voice is amazing.

"So do you like it?" My son is used to me playing anything from Napalm Death to George Jones to the siriusxm station SPA, but not necessarily NWOBHM. As the song progressed, I could see him appreciating the talent. This is a major win for him. Usually the response is "Dad what the hell are you listening to?"

I love so much about "Walking in the Shadows" (first new Grim Reaper album since 1987). The power metal status in the guitar playing. The trigger of some of the songs to remind me of the Scorpions (for my exposure at least). The groove that reminds me of the most driving Motley Crue songs. "Call Me In The Morning" had me rushing home from my work commute to get behind my drum kit (that's called inspiration). The cowbell in "I'm Coming For You", the breakdown in "Reach Out" and that the overall effect of the entire album is that "Walking in the Shadows" is just a great, loud listen. 

I think seeing Metal Church with vocalist Mike Howe earlier this month also primed me. I was never much a Metal Church fan, not that I knew much about the band to make an evaluation. But seeing Metal Church open for Megadeth (and Suicidal Tendencies - the band I was most anxious to see, for like the tenth time) got my attention, both for Metal Church and for "singing" or "falsetto" metal in general.

Very excited to see Grim Reaper in such an intimate setting as Jabber Jaws!

Also hoping they have the vinyl as "Walking in the Shadows" needs to be in my record collection!

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Official Band Links:
website: www.grimreaperofficial.co.uk
facebook: www.facebook.com/grimreaperofficial

Official Dissonance Production Links:
website: http://www.dissonanceproductions.co.uk/

facebook: www.facebook.com/DissonanceProductionsUK