Here’s the return of one of the more “underground” bands from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal days. The name – Robespierre. So “underground were they back then that they didn’t even play a gig.
Indeed – they appeared to want to keep themselves to themselves so much in the early 1980s that bar a couple of demos – which were not officially released – little to nothing is known.
Those demons did see what might be deemed restricted circulation to close contacts of the band. Other than that – zip. Robespierre gained a bit of a cult status then disappeared without leaving the shadows.
Those demos did eventually see the light of day a few years ago after being released on CD as Die You Heathen Die via Skol Records.
That’s a great listen. Nine tracks of “doomy” NWOBHM with earthy originality. Heavy rifferama somewhere akin to Witchfynde and Venom yet with a signature of their own and a touch of humour.
Much to like. For example here is Die You Heathen Die
The CD is a bit hard to find now (was a limited run I believe) though a friend managed to source on via Robspierre’s Facebook page.
Now spring forward a decade or four. Robespierre reform and make their live debut at Brofest. But it doesn’t end there. Appear only to disappear again.
Now we have Robespierre’s debut album – Garden of Hell. All original material. All in the style of “classic” NWOBHM. It’s 1983 all over again….
The “doomy” sonics are retained and the mix gives that proper authentic rawness. The riffs are sometimes plodding, sometimes fast, always instant. There’s a good level of catchiness going on too and at times tongue in cheek not taking themselves too seriously.
Punish Oppressors is a crunching opener which takes no prisoners. Dwelling in the Shadows ramps up the doom.
Feed the Fire is as heavy as a very heavy thing, Men of Violence, with it’s memorable chorus-chant) speeds along apace. The closer – I am a Flower in the Garden of Hell is a tasty slow burner which comes to life.
Garden of Hell is more than a NWOBHM-era obscurity band going through the motions. Robespierre give evidence that whilst true to their NWOBHM origins, they have to chops to compete today too. Top job boys!
>> ROBESPIERRE GARDEN OF HELL VIA AMAZON HERE >>
I believe the CD version may be in limited quantities. Although I bought mine via Amazon, my friend who sourced Die You Heathen Die via Robespierre’s Facebook got me Garden of Hell also via that route, so I have two (lucky me…..).
Alternatively if digital download is your preference, try BandCamp.
Robspierre on Facebook HERE
Garden of Hell on BandCamp HERE
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