Avenger (British band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Founder | Brian Ross, Mick Moore, Gary Young |
| Defunct | 1986 (first disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1986; reunited in 2005 |
| Headquarters | Newcastle upon Tyne , England |
Area served | United Kingdom, Europe, United States |
Key people | Brian Ross, Ian Swift, Mick Moore, Gary Young |
| Products | Heavy metal music albums and singles |
Number of employees | 5 (typical band lineup) |
| Website | www |
Avenger is a heavy metal group originating from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, associated with the new wave of British heavy metal movement. The band produced two albums during the 1980s before disbanding and later reuniting in 2005.
History
Avenger was formed in late 1982 by Brian Ross, Mick Moore, and Gary Young following the dissolution of Ross and Moore's former band, Blitzkrieg. They started by recording demo tracks, including "Hot 'n' Heavy Express," which was featured on a compilation EP released by Neat Records. After guitarist John Brownless joined, their debut single "Too Wild to Tame" was issued through Neat in October 1983.
Shortly thereafter, lead vocalist Brian Ross departed to join Satan, and Ian Swift, previously with Satan, took over as Avenger’s frontman. With the addition of guitarist Les Cheetham, they launched their first album, Blood Sports, in 1984. This release coincided with extensive touring across western Europe, a significant market for metal at the time.
Their sophomore album, Killer Elite, came out on Neat Records accompanied by a three-track video. In 1986, the band toured the United States; during this period, Greg Reiter replaced Cheetham on guitar while Darren Kurland filled in on drums. After a four-month stint stateside, Avenger returned to England and subsequently disbanded due to insufficient support from their label, which they felt limited their American prospects. Following the split, Ian Swift joined Atomkraft, and Gary Young rejoined Blitzkrieg.
Sanctuary Records reissued Avenger’s complete catalog in 2002, and in 2003 both albums were re-released in Latin America by Brazilian label Frontline Rock.
In February 2005, founding members Young, Swift, and Moore reunited alongside session guitarist Liam Thompson and Glenn Howes (formerly of Blitzkrieg, Tygers of Pan Tang, Earthrod, Fist) for tours across the UK and Europe with American band Y&T.
The lineup changed again in 2007 when original bassist Mick Moore left. The new ensemble—featuring Swift on vocals; Young, Thompson, Sean Jefferies (ex-Fallen Skies, Earthrod), and Huw Holding (ex-Order of the Black Sun, Nord)—performed alongside prominent acts such as Twisted Sister, Candlemass, Saxon, Rage, and Raven.
Their most recent studio effort, The Slaughter Never Stops, was released on 1 December 2014 to favorable critical reception.
On 5 December 2024, former bassist Mick Moore passed away at age 65 due to pneumonia after being hospitalized for health complications.
Current members
- Ian Swift – lead vocals (1984–1986, 2005–2009, 2013–present)
- Sean Jefferies – guitar (2006–2009, 2010–present)
- Liam Thompson – guitar, backing vocals (2005–present)
- Gary Young – drums, backing vocals (1982–1986, 2005–present)
- Mark Mabungway Kirby – bass (2022–present)
Former members
- Brian Ross – lead vocals (1982–1984)
- Andy Eden – lead vocals (2009–2011)
- Roddy B – lead vocals (2011–2013)
- Dean Thompson – guitar (2008–2011)
- Glenn S. Howes – guitar (2005)
- Les Cheetham – guitar (1984–1985)
- Mick Moore – bass (1982–1986, 2005, 2007; died 2024)
- Ian 'Fuzz' Fulton – bass, backing vocals (2010–2015)
- Huw Holding – bass (2006–2009, 2015–present)
- Daniel McEwan – bass (2018–2021)
Discography
- One Take No Dubs... – Recorded live in the studio (Neat Records compilation, 1982)
- "Too Wild to Tame" / "On the Rocks" 7" single (Neat Records, 1983)
- Blood Sports (Neat Records, 1984)
- Killer Elite (Neat Records, 1985)
- Too Wild to Tame (Compilation released by Sanctuary Records, 2002)
- The Slaughter Never Stops (Rocksector Records, 2014)
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- English heavy metal musical groups
- English musical quintets
- Musical groups established in 1982
- Musical groups disestablished in 1986
- Musical groups reestablished in 2005
- 1982 establishments in England
- New Wave of British Heavy Metal musical groups
- Musical groups from Newcastle upon Tyne