5 LOCAL HEROES FROM GERMANY

5 LOCAL HEROES FROM GERMANY

Germany has always produced both quality and quantity when it comes to hard rock and heavy metal, going back as early as the 1970s. The German metal scene, especially during the '80s, is-after so many years of being involved with metal-without a doubt my favorite. German bands have almost always been wilder than others in the global metal scene, and far more skilled on their instruments. We’re not going to talk about the giants like Scorpions or Accept here. Especially the latter-just think about how “Breaker” was released in 1981. The title track is full-throttle, with scorching guitars and drum blasts that sound like they’re coming from outer space. Phenomenal playing. And don’t even get me started on “Fast As a Shark,” released in 1982… Anyway, those stories are for another time, friends.

In this article, I’m going to present 5 albums that are pretty much unknown to the wider hard rock/heavy metal audience and, importantly, have never been reissued on vinyl. Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen a wave of re-releases pulled from the vaults, but for some reason, the albums I’m about to share with you have never seen the light of day. And to be honest, reissues have never been my thing-I’ve always preferred having the original pressing rather than some remastered or remixed version. I want to hear it the way it came out back then. Maybe it’s just one of my quirks… sorry, folks!! Let’s dive into a few local heroes from the past!!!

Snake – New Light (1980)

What can I even say about this album?! Ladies and gentlemen, there’s only one word that comes to mind: IT KICKS ASS! Snake came from Minden, North Rhine-Westphalia, and formed in the late '70s. They released three records: ''New Light'' (1980), ''The Second Step'' (1981), and a self-released CD-R in 2001 titled ''Special Force'', long after they had disbanded. The album I want to highlight is their debut ''New Light'', released in 1980 by Cain Records. Jackpot, another band on the same label, put out their only LP in 1981 called ''Full House'' - also a great album, you should check it for sure! The cover of ''New Light'' might not give you any clue about what you're going to hear-it even looks a little childish-but flip to the back and check out the badass photo with the motorcycles. You’ll know Snake aren't messing around… hahaha! These guys look like outlaw bikers, wearing leather jackets, long hair blowing in the wind, and glorious mustaches…hahaha, the power of the 'stache! The songs on this record are raw, full of attitude, and have a warm, organic production that oozes a different era. The guitars are proud and rock hard! You definitely need to check this one out-it's still out there and, in my opinion, pretty reasonably priced.

Maggie’s Madness – Maggie’s Madness (1981)

Maggie’s Madness came from Nuremberg and are still releasing music today. They were originally active from the mid-’70s until 1984, when, after releasing their second album ''On Fire'' (1984 - what a killer record!), they changed their name to Wildcat. As Wildcat, they released just one album, ''Love Attack'' (1985), via Roadrunner Records-awesome artwork on that one, by the way! Here, we’re focusing on their self-titled debut ''Maggie’s Madness'' from 1981. The album cover doesn’t quite match the musical style-it looks more like a German pop/new wave band. Honestly? I don’t like it either… haha! The album contains eight tracks of simple, straightforward, and proud heavy metal. My personal favorite is the incredible seven-minute anthem “One More Time”-we’re talking real heavy metal anthem here. Especially during the solo, I get chills… it’s genuinely emotional. This was a self-financed private pressing, and it's not easy to find these days. I remember putting it up for auction on a well-known platform nearly 13 years ago. A good old friend of mine bid on it (Hail Andreas, NWOBHM rulez!), but sadly lost out because it ended up selling for a high price. He was bummed-understandably-but he recently told me he finally snagged it for a reasonable amount. Persistence pays off

Steelyard – 1982 (1982)

Steelyard were a band from the Marburg area. Not much is known about them, but thankfully, they left behind a their debut album-titled ''1982'' (yeap, just the year!). The record includes 10 explosive metal tracks. From the first song to the last, it’s all raw power, true rock ‘n’ roll attitude, and-most importantly- the songs have ''soul''. The drummer and bassist especially bring the heat. Their playing is so vibrant and full of life, you can tell they’re pouring their hearts into it. The guitars also deliver passionate and fiery solos. The album was self-released under their own Snake Records label. If you ever come across it, grab it with your eyes closed. Highly recommended-but beware, this one’s for true die-hard metalheads only!

Virgin – Virgin (1984)

Virgin hailed from Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia. Formed in the early '80s, they released two singles and their excellent debut album ''Virgin'' in 1984 through the short-lived Skyfire Records. The album features 11 tracks of pure hard ’n’ heavy metal, full of melodic, catchy songwriting. Be sure to check out “Jimmy Dean” and my personal favorite, “Searching”-classic heavy metal done right: pure, honest, and full of energy. They also include a cover of The Kinks’ “All Day and All of the Night.” The cover art is delightfully kitschy-too bad they placed the band’s logo in such a...revealing spot on the woman’s body… hahaha! Typical censorship, right? The back cover features a gritty photo of the band in leather jackets, standing menacingly in what looks like a run-down basement. It screams metal. Are those refrigerators in the background? Who knows? If you ever spot this album, don’t pass it up-it rocks hard!

Rave – New Time of Pride (1986)

Last up in this feature are Rave and their debut album ''New Time of Pride'', a self-released gem from 1986. Rave formed in the early '80s in Sande, Lower Saxony. Their first release was a 7" single in 1982 titled ''Angel On The Run'', featuring two badass tracks: “Angel On The Run” and “Stoned And Hated.” It was self-released and is now very rare-especially with the original cover. Also the vocalist on the single was a man, Claus Fisher.

Four years later, in 1986, they released their deut album ''New Time of Pride'', this time with female vocals by Katja Bielefeld. Now let’s talk visuals: nothing about this album cover hints at a heavy metal band. They look more like some generic pop act, and-sorry to say but they all look like total softies, ''butter'' pop kids. The back cover? Same story. Just some black lines-looks like a synth-pop band. And the inner sleeve? Same deal… they’re all dressed like preppy boys. Maybe only the guitarist sort of fits the hard 'n' heavy metal vibe. But hey, it’s not about the photos, right? ''Don’t judge a book by its cover'', as they say-and this is a perfect example of that. Visually it might scream “pop disaster,” but musically, it’s a KILLER release. The album is packed with raw, blazing heavy metal with killer riffs and memorable solos. Katja’s vocals are off-key, immature, and occasionally shouty-but that only adds to the charm and underground spirit of true heavy metal. Who cares about clean production or perfect vocals? From the first note, you can tell Rave are playing straight from the heart. This is pure heavy metal-not for the masses, but for the few who truly get it. There’s even a rumor that only 200 copies of the album were pressed, with most destroyed, leaving just 60 in existence. Seems a bit far-fetched, but I can’t confirm it either way. What does matter is the music, and ''New Time of Pride'' was excellent heavy metal-not for everyone, but for the real faithful of the genre. If you haven’t heard of these German bands, seek them out! Until next time, take care of yourselves and listen to lots of music. Support the underground!

By Steve the Filthy Dog.