Satan - Out Of The Fire 1981-1985

Although the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal scene (or NWOBHM) of the late 1970s and early 1980s was a genuinely national movement, from Iron Maiden in London, Persian Risk in Wales, Diamond Head in the Midlands and Blitzkrieg in Scotland, the North East of England was a hotbed of hard rock and heavy metal. Spearheaded by the Newcastle-based labe,l Neat Records, the area gave us many highly influential and far-reaching bands, including Venom, Raven and Tygers Of Pan Tang, alongside Newcastle’s own Satan. Originally forming in 1979, featuring guitarists Steve Ramsey and Russ Tippins, they released their first single, ‘Kiss Of Death’, in 1982.

Signing to the influential Roadrunner label, Satan released their full-length debut in 1983. 'Court In The Act' (CD1) was ahead of its time, capturing elements of speed metal, power metal and thrash, becoming a touchstone for the burgeoning German metal scene, finding fans in bands such as Helloween and Blind Guardian.

CD2 is a treat for Satan completists and for fans of rare and raw NWOBHM curios, featuring the four song 1981 'Guardian' demo, plus the six track 'Into The Fire' demo from the following year plus various live and alternative versions.

The live theme is continued with 'Live In The Act' (CD3). Recorded at Eindhoven’s Dynamo Club in Holland in November 1983. By 1984, Satan distanced themselves from the growing black metal scene, switching names to the far less Satanic Blind Fury, continuing the power metal and NWOBHM sound of Satan, but with a less aggressive, more 1980s-friendly, melodic approach for their sole album 'Out Of Reach' (CD 4).

As well as rare memorabilia, the set features extensive liner notes from NWOBHM expert John Tucker based on new interviews with the band.