A proper, proper treat is this one. Geddes Axe. All the way back in the original NWOBHM years my “stomping ground” of Sheffield and associated conurbation boasted our share of jolly good bands. Two in particular went on to slightly bigger things, namely Def Leppard and Saxon.
We also had Geddes Axe. If a band was to follow the Leppards and Saxons to make a local New Wave of British Heavy Metal holy trinity it was surely going to be Geddes Axe. Saw them many times all those decades ago. A storming band. Electric live. Possessed all the chops and then some.
Alas, thing passed them by. Joe Elliott, Biff Byford and their buddies skyrocketed. The glorious Axe disappeared leaving very little behind by way of a recoding legacy. Such a shame.
How many times over the years I’ve reminisced about Geddes Axe and had lengthy beer-driven discussions about the NWOBHM old days with me mate Rob usually getting on to the band at some point.
I thought they’d be gone for good with only fading memories of decades-old live performances an those boozy conversations left.
Imagine my squeals of delight when I found out that those top peeps at High Roller Records were set to release practically everything Geddes Axe ever recorded in a shiny remastered package named Aftermath. And on top of that, the Axe were reformed and on the bill at Brofest.
Sadly I couldn’t get to Brofest. But I do have the CD now. Well, had it for a little while on constant repeat with me (that’s the CD on repeat, not my digestive system) in the car. So very, very good to get reacquainted with songs I thought I’d never hear again.
Check out Return of the Gods. A galloping riff at a frantic pace featuring a wizard solo. When the Lights Go Out is a slower one to reflect their range but still rocks and it builds. The epic-in-style Valley of the Kings with the changes of pace and bit of a spacy feel. Lovely.
Escape from New York brings to mind the Lizzy classic Emerald with the military/tribal style drumming, riffs, killer hook and the blazing solo trade-offs. The Day the Wells Ran Dry is another fine galloper then the closing Six-Six-Six is off the scale.
Here is Escape from New York:
No doubt in my mind. Geddes Axe should have been huge and then some. They had all the talent which showed in their song writing ability and delivery. They could do the heavy riffola. They could do the hooks and melodies. They had excellent guitarists. They could do refinery. Put it all together and what a package.
Now you can marvel at that ability too. Bag yourself a copy of Aftermath and enjoy muchly. Musically very adept. To give you some idea I’d describe generally as a bit Thin Lizzy, a bit early Rush with plenty of their own style added on.
Yes, I know I am gushing in my praise but I hope you will agree it is not misplaced. Aftermath speaks louder than my words. I say do yourself a huge favour and pick up a copy. Listen and then ask why Geddes Axe are not up there with NWOBHM counterparts such as Saxon and Maiden on an Enormodome tour somewhere with two dozen album behind them.
> GEDDES AXE AFTERMATH ON AMAZON <
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