Dragonslayer (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Founder | Tony Mamwell, Phil Odins, Dave Phillips, Steve Morgan |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Lancashire , England |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
Dragonslayer was a heavy metal group originating from Lancashire, England, initially formed in 1978 under the name Heavy Thunder. They emerged amid the new wave of British heavy metal movement and adopted the name Slayer in 1980. However, to prevent confusion with the American thrash band Slayer—who launched their debut album Show No Mercy in December 1983—they changed their name to Dragonslayer. Their musical approach fused early power metal elements with classic rock influences and fantasy-inspired lyrics, placing them alongside other N.W.O.B.H.M. acts such as Tyrant, Cynic, Grim Reaper, and Arc.
Biography
The band began as Heavy Thunder in 1978 and rebranded as Slayer in 1980 after moving to Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They built a strong live following and recorded a five-song demo at Cargo Studios, produced by Colin Richardson, who would later be recognized for his work with Fear Factory and Machine Head. Towards the end of 1983, they recorded the "I Want Your Life" EP at Cavalier Studios in Stockport. Prior to its release, they altered their name to Dragonslayer to distinguish themselves from the U.S. band Slayer, placing stickers with their new logo over the original EP labels.
The EP received positive feedback, enabling them to headline local shows and support acts like Tractor. Throughout 1984 and 1985, they pursued a recording contract and produced a seven-track demo in early 1986. After bassist Steve Morgan left, Marc Webb—formerly of Voltage—joined the lineup. This formation contributed the track "Rock the Radio" to Ebony Records' compilation The Metal Collection Vol. II. The band performed final concerts before disbanding in mid-1987; only guitarist Phil Odins continued with a professional music career.
In 2008, Shadow Kingdom Records issued a compilation featuring most of Dragonslayer's recordings, excluding "Rock the Radio". Following the compilation's favorable reception, the band rehearsed and announced intentions to release new material and perform live via Facebook in 2013. By 2016, activity had ceased with an update stating "the Dragon still sleeps for now."
Musical style
Dragonslayer is identified as part of the new wave of British heavy metal scene, delivering early power metal sounds.
Band members
- Tony Mamwell – vocals (1978–1987)
- Phil Odins – guitar (1978–1987)
- Dave Phillips – drums (1978–1987)
- Steve Morgan – bass (1978–1986)
- Marc Webb – bass (1986–1987)
EPs
- I Want Your Life (1983)
Compilation albums
- The Metal Collection - Volume II (1987), including "Rock the Radio"