New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Classic and Progressive Rock

Prowler: Reactivate Review

Prowler ReactivateProwler formed in the mid-1970s and were one of the many bands competing for space in what would become known as the good old New Wave of British Heavy Metal back then.

Chalk them down as one of those many bands who had the talent if not the breaks.

They had a healthy local following around their home county of Essex, a well-received track in the Brute Force compilation and some nice support slots yet the big time would elude them despite some interest from Bronze Records back then.

However now we can enjoy Prowler and what they had to offer thanks to Reactivate and it’s a fine listen of “pure” NWOBHM.

First up are four tracks recorded back in 1980 which includes the excellent Gotta Get Back to You – a storming typical NWOBHM-style four minuter of strong, fast riffing, nippy solos and a thumping vocal/chorus which is a bit melodic and rather catchy. A fine start.

Bad Child Running has plenty of energy to it building in some nice changes in pace. Lost Without Your Love and Prisoner building on the band’s undoubted ability and making a quartet of enjoyable NWOBHM rockers.

Have a listen to Gotta Get Back to You:

Also from 1980 is a live recording of Rocksong Part II form the much-missed Marquee in London. Great stuff indeed with Prowler on top form which comes through in the recording.

The flirtation with Bronze Records would see a brief change of name to Samurai and we have two tracks here from 1981 in under the Samurai name – Under Attack and an excellent live version of Samurai which stretches out in to some superb guitar work indeed. First class stuff.

Whilst Prowler called it quits in the early 1980s there was a bit of a reunion resulting in a 30th anniversary version of Gotta Get Back to You and then again in 2020 with a 40th anniversary version of Heavy Metal Hero. Both songs included on the album and both more than worthy.

It’s always good that bands from back in the original New Wave of British Heavy Metal days are rediscovered and also interest from record companies – in this case Cherry Red – to release things like this for us to enjoy.

Do check out Prowler. It is good stuff.

>> PROWLER REACTIVATE ON AMAZON HERE <<