Avenger
Blood Sports

While Maiden, Motörhead, Saxon, and Judas Priest were already enjoying immense international success, the N.W.O.B.H.M. was enriched by another very valid group, namely Avenger. They formed in 1982 in Newcastle, and the lineup was composed of Ian Davison Swift on vocals, Mick Moore on bass, Les Cheetham on guitar, and Gary Young on drums. The sound is truly impactful, powerful, and compact, thus reminiscent of Raven and Blitzkrieg, and moving away from the "melody" and "zeppelin blues" of Diamond Head.

In 1984, Avenger released "Blood Sports", and in 1985 "Killer Elite", which contained the hits "Revenge Attack", "Run For Your Life", and "Under The Hammer", and a more thrash style. The CD that I will now review is precisely the first one, which I consider the most important peak of the quartet.

From the very first song, "Enforcer", the band shows what they're made of and offers us a pounding start, where the precise drumming and metallic riffs dominate. The voice is piercing, full of charisma and pathos, and the guitar solos are also very interesting, in short, one of the most beautiful tracks on the CD.

"Warfare" has an epic introduction. Spine-chilling. Ian's voice is perfect, able to convey emotions thanks to the pathos typical of the N.W.O.B.H.M. A song to frame, a ballad masterfully executed, one that would make Scorpions or Diamond Head envious.

"Victims Of Force" is another great track, set at a slower tempo yet still able to convey energy just the same. "N.O.T.J" is perhaps the most original and alternative song among the others, thanks to its syncopated rhythms and a less repetitive style compared to the others. Here we also find rhythm changes, interspersed with solos and sound effects that strongly recall "Suckin My Love" by Diamond Head.

Rock 'n' roll full throttle, driving rhythm, energetic and high-pitched vocals, and a perfect chorus for headbanging, this is how Avenger marks their debut album, which still today is a rare piece of the 80s metal scene.