“Decaying rooms of once proud people”

Mythical lyrics of lords and kings of a forgotten world on a grimly emotive cult classic metal track… brought to you from a council house in Hull. This is the spirit of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal.

Spirit Of The Chateaux is one of many excellent tracks from Chateaux’s 1983 debut album Chained And Desperate. Released on Ebony Records, it was recorded by the Cheltenham band in label owner Darryl Johnston’s council house-cum-recording studio and it’s a raw, gritty affair. But like many of the label’s recordings it is crackling with electricity and overdriven in-your-face guitar.

Spirit Of The Chateaux has a rock steady mid-tempo pace with simple, blocky riffing that leaves space for mesmerising sustained guitar notes and emotive singing. And since their vocalist was the legendary Steve Grimmett (on loan from labelmates Grim Reaper) he really does emote. Like a bastard. Especially on the glorious chorus when his impassioned vocals bleed together with the noisy riffing and lead guitar. The band played down Grimmett’s involvement but his performance here is spellbinding. He’s the star of the show and the not-so-secret ingredient that makes Spririt Of The Chateaux one of my all-time favourite NWOBHM tracks.