Obscure NWOBHM Releases have pulled yet another one from the mists of New Wave of British Heavy Metal time – this one being Enigma.
The band were from the Manchester area, formed in the late 1970s lasting a few short years in to the early 1980s with just one EP to their name.
It’s NWOBHM with a difference too. Short, punchy songs generally with a bit of a spacey/trippy edge to them. Frantic soloing and the bass nicely up in the mix.
Now Obscure NWOBHM Releases have those four tracks from the band’s old EP plus the only other three songs they are known to have recorded before they split on this limited edition CD.
Sure, it is something of a curiosity – though don’t let it pass you by. Enigma had something different to offer to “traditional” New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Of the Universe is an interesting listen. And with the seven tracks lasting just shy of twenty five minutes there’s no hanging around.
First up are the four tracks from the EP. I am to Bluff, Doctor, She Said and Wolf on the Mountain. The first three being fast-paced affairs with speedy riffing and the spacey/trippy edge to them – particularly the soloing. Wolf on the Mountain being more restrained affair and almost ballad-like.
Then the three other songs the band recorded “back in the day”. Of the Universe is something different again. Slower sort of progressive in style. Then Rock and Roll Homicide and Guitar Star are both more straight rockers delivered at pace with not a note wasted.
Have a listen to Guitar Star as a taster:
Overall an impressive effort from a band comprised of enthusiastic youngsters – I believe they were all teenagers at the time.
Somehow Obscure NWOBHM Releases keep digging stuff like this from somewhere. And long may they continue to unearth lost New Wave of British Heavy Meal era bands as they do.
Enigma’s Of the Universe is on a limited run of just 500 CDs. Bagged mine directly from the label. As I type this review, it is still showing as available from them and the other “usual suspects” of Sonic Age Records, No Remorse.
If you’d like to check Enigma out, here are the links to the above:
https://onreleases.bigcartel.com
https://www.sonicagerecords.com
https://www.noremorse.gr
Do have a look.