Spartan Warrior’s debut album – that classic slab of New Wave of British Heavy Metal goodness which is Steel ‘n’ Chains from 1983 – is having a re-issue via High Roller Records with a release date of 14th November 2025.
That’s just over a month from time of posting. CD and vinyl versions are available.
Spartan Warrior originated up in the north east of England, which was one of the “hotbeds” of NWOBHM action back in the early 1980s.
After having a couple of songs appear on the Pure Overkill compilation, Guardian Records were impressed enough to offer the band a recording contract, which spawned Steel ‘n’ Chains.
It’s a cracking album. Bristling with everything which says New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It fizzes and crackles with energy throughout. It’s hard, fast, heavy, energetic with a raw edge. No messing about. Monster riffing and frantic solos. A proper aural assault though does have a few calmer bits amongst the riffola.
Armed with such a good debut, would Spartan Warrior start to climb the ladder? Alas not.
A change of label to Roadrunner saw the release of their self-titled album in 1984 then they split soon afterwards.
However….a reformation occurred about twenty years or so ago and they’ve recorded two further albums since – Behind Closed Eyes in 2010 and Hell to Pay in 2018. And they remain active today popping up here and there.
Here’s Stormer – storming indeed isn’t it?
This re-issue of Steel ‘n’ Chains has both CD and vinyl versions.
A note about ordering….if you order from High Roller directly, be aware than there’s a 160 euro minimum order for UK delivery according to the note on the ordering page for the album.
For UK orders, I’d suggest looking at Plastic Head (£3.99 standard postage indicated):
https://www.plastichead.com
If you do want to go directly to High Roller:
https://www.hrrecords.de
Another option is Sonic Age Records:
https://www.sonicagerecords.com
Or your preferred option of choice if you have one depending on where you live and delivery. Do check delivery charges.
Full marks to High Roller for giving us another classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal re-issue.
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