The interest NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) has not waned in over 30 years. So many trends are fleeting and quickly disappear into the musical nirvana, very few remain to leave a lasting impression. NWOBHM was, is and will always be an important source of inspiration for metal fans and bands of every musical direction. Without this, Heavy Metal would not be what it is today and bands such as Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax would never have been formed. Many young musicians, who weren't even born when NWOBHM appeared on the scene in the early Eighties, idolize the bands of that era. But it is pure coincidence that on the 30th birthday of NWOBHM the members of the metal bands Viron and Abandoned present NWOBHM fans with an album titled "NWOBHM For Muthas!". An unbeatable lineup had been formed under the name of ROXXCALIBUR (mirroring the pioneering compilation "Roxcalibur") in 2007, celebrating as a tribute band all the facets of NWOBHM.

In Autumn 2008 the quintett were signed by Limb Music Products and began work on their first CD, "NWOBHM For Muthas", which was produced by Uwe Lulis (Rebellion, Sieges Even, V8 w**kers etc) and Paul Williams. In order to retain the spirit of the originals, the basic tracks were recorded live and partially without a clicktrack. The songs' arrangements were not changed. During the mixing, care was taken to combine a great sound production of 2009 and the old school charm of the original recordings. The result proves that even in anno 2009 it is possible to manage without triggered drums, Pro Tools editing and amp simulations as long as the musicians bring a high level of quality and excellent musicianship with them as principle motives. The 13 tracks differ from the usual NWOBHM compilations in that many of the songs will be unknown even to big fans of the genre. The lads deliberately selected bands and songs outside of the mainstream, choosing instead underground jewels such as Bleak House, ARC, Radium, Trident and Jameson Raid, bands who were denied the great breakthrough not because of their music, but because their songs were published only as singles - and which have now become valuable collectors' items. But even legends such as Dark Star, Grim Reaper, Witchfinder General, Chateaux, Jaguar and Cloven Hoof are honoured by superb cover versions.

Passion and magic are certainly two of the most outstanding aspects which apply to this brilliant album, which gives a new meaning to NWOBHM 30 years after it was born.

© 2009Limb Music Products

Released on: 24.04.2009