Race Against Time (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Derbyshire, England |
| Headquarters | Derbyshire , England |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
Race Against Time was a heavy metal ensemble originating from Derbyshire, England, established in 1978 alongside Paralex and Radium. Together, these groups formed the 'East Midlands Bands Cooperative,' pooling resources and coordinating live events, which played a role in elevating Nottingham's status during the new wave of British heavy metal movement.
Their music combined progressive elements with a heavy, doom-inspired tone, earning them recognition for their instrumental proficiency. On stage, they incorporated early versions of corpsepaint and donned predominantly black clothing.
Biography
The band came together in 1978 between Chesterfield and Matlock, England. Prior to joining, Al Short had been involved with Captain Hippo and Heavy Water. He responded to an advertisement placed by Dave Halliday, who had formerly played with Skint. Initially a quartet featuring Halliday on guitar, he eventually took over vocal responsibilities as the group transitioned into a trio. After cycling through several drummers, Geoff Green became the permanent drummer.
A planned single release of "Bedtime" with two B-sides was abruptly canceled by a record label at the last moment. Subsequently, journalist Nigel Burnham invited them to participate in Logo Records' New Electric Warriors compilation; their intended A-side was included as the closing track on the album. Without further label backing, the band dissolved following a session on Trevor Dann's BBC Radio Nottingham Rock Show. Some members later joined Hell, bringing with them material from Race Against Time.
In 2015, Al Short and Geoff Green reunited with Radium's Kevin Healey and Andy Meehan to perform songs from both bands at Brofest in Newcastle. This reunion coincided with the release of their compilation Time Waits For No Man through High Roller Records.
Musical style
Race Against Time is identified as part of the new wave of British heavy metal, initially blending darker blues influences before evolving into Hell, where those elements were phased out.
Band members
- Dave G. Halliday – guitar, vocals (1978–1982)
- Al Short – bass guitar (1978–1982)
- Geoff Green – drums (1978–1982)
Studio albums
- Time Waits for No Man (2015)
Compilation albums
- New Electric Warriors (1980), featuring "Bedtime"