Here’s a little relatively undiscovered gem form the NWOBHM days for you. A band by the name of Mother’s Ruin.
As I recall, they formed in the late 1970s along with the many other bands of the time who would be tagged as New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
However Mother’s Ruin were not the up to eleven wall of noise at all. They were a bit different in style and delivery.
Their career back then consisted of a couple of singles and a debut album in the early 1980s.
Then it was in to obscurity probably down to the usual story of “management issues” and stiff competition at the time to rise above the pack.
The album – Road to Ruin has become hard to find over the years. But now it is available once again re-issued along with other stuff from “back in the day” to represent the entire output of Mother’s Ruin.
I picked up my copy and it was like going back in time. A most pleasurable listen to become reacquainted with the band.
As I alluded to above, Mother’s Ruin were not your typical NWOBHM outfit. They had a more refined style leaning very much towards the melodic end though could, and did, still “rock” when they wanted to.
Some of their songs go further in to jazz/funk territory with some throbbing bass lines and use of keys/sax in places. Dale Nathan (vox) has a smooth set of pipes and a nice range to boot.
Victim of Love is a gentle introduction before Paris is Burning steps things up a gear with a fine hook/chorus.
What follows the opening duo is another fine quality ten cuts of well-arranged and performed melodic/heavy rock. Nice crisp solo work from the guitarist too. Perhaps Streetfighter sums up Mother’s Ruin best. Here’s the song:
For a band with such a “smooth” style they supported both Dire Straits and Motorhead would you believe. Probably not a great fit, particularly for Motorhead though I suppose you had to play when the gigs came.
Alas, whilst it didn’t happen for Mother’s Ruin back then, Road to Ruin is a fine testament to the band’s abilities and talent.
>> MOTHER’S RUIN ROAD TO RUIN HERE ON AMAZON <<
A bit of New Wave of British Heavy Metal with a twist, if you will. The CD is available in, I believe, limited quantities and is a worthy addition to your collection. Whilst it could be argues it’s a bit soft given the melodies it does “rock” and is a definite grower.
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