Another bit of a “blast from the past”. Fist. One of the originals from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal days all those years ago and back in the saddle again. Arising from the ashes of a previous incarnation by the name of Axe, Fist emerged in to the light as NWOBHM was exploding.
They were from the North East hotbed which was home to many a thriving band. And one of many who would start their recording careers on the fantastic Neat Records who carved out quite a niche for themselves back in the day.
Fist’s initial single would be the legendary and anthemic Name, Rank and Serial Number. Immensely powerful and with a chorus which remains one of the greatest fist-pumping shout-along ever. Done and done. That single went down well with fans and critics alike.
Here’s how great that song is:
Fist looked all set to step up not least when big league label MCA snapped the up and their debut album – Turn the Hell On – hit the streets.
Add to that high profile support slots with the likes of UFO, all the signs pointed to Fist following the likes of Iron Maiden in to the NWOBHM stratosphere. That UFO tour would have been the first time I’d have seen Fist live as far as I can recall.
Alas, the usual record company issues would hit the band as it did with many of their counterparts. The MCA support dried up, personnel changes happened and Fist found themselves back with Neat. An album appeared – Back With a Vengeance – which was more than meritable although things stagnated for Fist somewhat and the end came around 1985.
But just after the turn of the century, original member Keith Satchfield got things moving again with a revised line-up and even an album – Storm – in I think 2005. Then it went quiet again until 2013 when they came back for another go. Fist are active again. Yet more proof that you can’t keep a good (NWOBHM) band down.
Do check them out if you can. Good, honest metal with an edge. Recommended indeed. Turn the Hell On is a storming listen.
>> FIST TURN THE HELL ON – BAG YOUR COPY HERE <<
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