Chateaux (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK |
| Headquarters | Cheltenham , United Kingdom |
| Products | Albums, singles |
Chateaux emerged as a band within the new wave of British heavy metal scene, originating in 1981 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK. Throughout the 1980s, they issued three albums under Ebony Records, a label also known for representing artists such as Grim Reaper and Savage. The group is particularly recognized for introducing vocalist Steve Grimmett, who later gained prominence with Grim Reaper and Onslaught.
Biography
Initially operating under the name Stealer, the band was established circa 1981 by guitarist Tim Broughton alongside bassist Alex Houston and drummer Andre Baylis. Their participation on the 1982 Metal Maniaxe compilation came after signing with Ebony Records, at which point they adopted the name Chateaux. They contributed the track "Young Blood," featuring Houston on vocals, which was subsequently issued as a single paired with "Fight to the Last."
The band's first album, Chained and Desperate, was released in 1983 and produced by Daryl Johnson. It showcased vocals by Steve Grimmett, formerly of Medusa and concurrently fronting Grim Reaper. To maintain Grimmett's primary commitment to Grim Reaper, his involvement was presented as a guest contribution. Critics responded positively; Martin Popoff praised the album for its blend of "integrity, songcraft, and grime," evoking the spirit of early British metal pioneers.
By the time their sophomore effort, Fire Power (1984), appeared, Tim Broughton was the sole remaining original member. The lineup had shifted to include Krys Mason (ex-Confessor) handling bass and vocals, along with drummer Chris Dadson (ex-Wolfbane). However, this album experienced a decline in critical reception, with reviewers highlighting a diminished songwriting clarity and a drift toward less distinctive rock arrangements.
Their third studio release, Highly Strung (1985), saw further downturns in both critical appraisal and commercial performance. The band's limited live appearances beyond their home region contributed to their eventual dissolution. Nevertheless, Sanctuary Records reissued all three albums alongside their debut single in 2003 as part of the two-disc compilation titled Fight to the Last.
Final known members
- Tim Broughton – guitar
- Chris Dadson – drums
- Krys Mason – bass, vocals
Former members
- Steve Grimmett – vocals
- Alex Houston – bass, vocals
- Andre Baylis – drums
Discography
- "Young Blood / Fight to the Last" 7" single (Ebony, 1982)
- Chained and Desperate LP (Ebony, 1983)
- Fire Power LP (Ebony, 1984)
- Highly Strung LP (Ebony, 1985)
- Fight to the Last compilation (Sanctuary, 2003)