Search - Grim Reaper :: See You in Hell

Strong album, but tied to its era...

Worgelm | United States | 09/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...actually Grim Reaper hit the scene about 2-3 years late, as glam was already starting its ascendancy and Metallica had just shown the world what America was going to do with all those NWOBHM influences in decline. Nonetheless, Grim Reaper's debut has good raw energy going for it, an overall very dark vibe with simplistic but rocking songs (title track, the thrashy, just-this-side-of-dangerously-evil closer "All Hell Let Loose"), a meandering but decent, low-key ballad ("The Show Must Go On") and good axe work from Nick Bowcott all around. Despite its low-budget sound the debut sold a decent amount and after finding success in England was licensed to RCA, hitting 73 on Billboard Top 100 and selling 250,000 copies before it was all over (according to Bowcott, sales from the 3 albums worldwide was in excess of half a million). So i'd bet more than one older one-star reviewer lurking out there still is still hiding it in their collection. Hey, if it gets lampooned by Beavis & Butthead, it *had* to have had some impact. The Spitfire reissue sounds pretty darn good, sporting remastered sound and liner notes from Nick Bowcott. Without bonus tracks, I feel it prudent to mention the two-fer reissue of "See You In Hell"/"Fear No Evil" might be better Grim Reaper for your dollar value, though I can't compare the sound quality of the first reissue with this one."

Grim Reaper - Revisited

Rock Villain | 05/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off the five star rating is to offset the complete joke of reviews by some of the pop influenced MTV culture. The album deserves an honest 3 and 1/2 stars and is worth a listen for early 80's metal heads and those newbies wanting more N.W.O.B.H.M.



Grim Reaper are certainly not a band that will merit critical review in the same vein that a Nirvana or a Pearl Jam recieve credit. Nor are they deserving of such acclaim; however, that is not to say they were a complete waste of time either.



This album was recorded in 1983 originally on the small indie lable Ebony records. The fact they caught such attention and went on to moderate success in the U.S is a credit to their popularity and a testament to some decent material. The album is raw, in your face, no excuses early 80's metal.



There are several good tracks with the standout and staple being See You in Hell. Dead on Arrival, Liar and The Show Must Go On round out the other noteworthy tunes.



Bottom line- Early 80's raw metal heads will get it, appreciate it as a period work and enjoy for what it is. If you are of the nu-metal genre - stay away."

Great band, forgotten or underrated

Real Metal Fan | 07/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Grim Reaper was one of the last of the NWOBM bands, and they were over shadowed by bands like Motorhead or Iron Maiden, but still a good band in their own right. Simply put, their sound had quality, good musicianship, and were heavy without resorting to noise and cookie monster vocals. The band was a little dark, but not emo deppressing "dark". If you like straight forward metal that is heavy and dark, but still maintains a listenable sound, and you don't give a flying **** about trends or fashion, then you will like this band. A true metal band that kicks ***"