Nightcomers, The/The Courage To Be

Except for Diamond Head, probably no other New Wave of British Heavy Metal band had as much of an impact on the sound made famous by Metallica as Holocaust (see the metal legends' cover of Holocaust's "The Small Hours" -- not featured here). In fact, only the aforementioned Diamond Head and the great Iron Maiden could compare to Holocaust in terms of authentic, straightforward heavy metal intensity. Lyrically, the band didn't waste time with shag anthems à la Def Leppard or delve into grand historical themes like Maiden, they just plain rocked out -- Judas Priest-style. The classic "Heavy Metal Mania" ("I've got heavy metal music in my blood") and "Smokin' Valves" ("I love to rock! I love to get down low") are perfect examples, stating the obvious with endearing cheesiness. But Holocaust were about big, blunt riffs, not small talk. Just witness the Sabbath-inspired power chords which reign supreme on the title track, "Mavrock," and their masterpiece, "Death or Glory." The slightly looser "Cryin' Shame" is probably the only exception, standing out as the album's only obvious single thanks to its catchy riff. Out of print for nearly a decade, The Nightcomers was finally re-issued by Edgy Records in 2000. Remastered and packed with three excellent bonus tracks (including outstanding B-sides "Love's Power" and "Only As Young As You Feel"), it's a worthwhile treat for any serious N.W.O.B.H.M. fan. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia|