Jaguar - Holland 82

Pre-fame speed metal kickstart

This ‘official bootleg’ from Bristolbased NWOBHM band Jaguar was recorded shortly before the release of their debut album Power Games, which placed them firmly next to Raven as kickstarters of the speed metal scene.

The 15-track live set is raw, rough, fast and furious, and their influence on the early thrash movement is obvious. Many tracks come from the Power Games album, including Dutch Connection (a smart number to open with) and the classic Axe Crazy. Gary Pepperd’s guitar is fast and spot on, but Rob Reiss’s vocals are occasionally strained and shouted, though he does manage a good range at times. Heavy Metal Heroes make an appearance on Stormchild, which goes down a storm itself with the enthusiastic crowd. Essential for any NWOBHM buff, but the twopage booklet with notes from Pepperd is rather light, not even giving a band line-up.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Majestic Rock | MAJACD 1

Reviewed by Joe Geesin
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