U.K.’s EXCALIBUR DEBUT SET FOR REISSUE

British heavy rock band EXCALIBUR who emerged on the coat tails of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) in the 1980’s, will have their 1985 debut six track mini album  ‘The Bitter End’ reissued through the No Remorse label on 24^th September 2021.

The newly remastered version will contain a selection of bonus material including the band’s 1984 ‘Back Before Dawn’ demo and the previously unheard original EXCALIBUR mix of ‘The Bitter End’.

The release is a recording snapshot of the band in their teenage years between 1983 and 1985, as they went from first demo novices lacking studio experience to a band with a firm musical vision for the recording of ‘The Bitter End’. A vision that ultimately was not shared by their label Conquest Records who, unknown to the band, remixed the album prior to its release.

‘The Bitter End’ was recorded in March 1985 by Paul McBride (vocals), Paul  Solynskyj (guitar), Martin Hawthorn (bass) and  Mick Dodson (drums) at Woodlands Studios, UK with engineer Neil Ferguson, who went on to produce the hits of pop anarchists Chumbawamba.

The album, which over the years has become a cult favourite amongst fans of early 80’s metal, will be available on CD for the first time, as well as limited coloured vinyl variants and as a special limited edition box set. It will also be available across all popular digital and streaming services.

The CD features a full colour twenty page booklet, while the vinyl album comes with a special four page insert, both containing lyrics, liner notes, memorabilia and never before seen photographs. The limited edition box set will consist of the CD, exclusive box set silver vinyl album (Excalibur Mix), ‘Back Before Dawn’ demo cassette replica, T-Shirt and patch.

TRACK LISTING
CD
(Excalibur Mix)
I’m Telling You
Devil In Disguise
The Bitter End
Only Time Can Tell
Come On and Rock
Haunted By The Shadows
(Conquest Records Mix)
I’m Telling You
Devil In Disguise
The Bitter End
Only Time Can Tell
Come On and Rock
Haunted By The Shadows
 
Come On and Rock (1984 Demo)
Only Time Can Tell (1984 Demo)
Haunted By The Shadows (1984 Demo)
Nightmare (1983 Demo)
 
VINYL
Available on black or limited edition red vinyl
Side A
I’m Telling You (Excalibur Mix)
Devil In Disguise (Excalibur Mix)
The Bitter End (Excalibur Mix)
Only Time Can Tell (Excalibur Mix)
Come On and Rock (Excalibur Mix)
Side B
Haunted By The Shadows (Excalibur Mix)
Come On and Rock (1984 Demo)
Only Time Can Tell (1984 Demo)
Haunted By The Shadows (1984 Demo)
Nightmare (1983 Demo)
 
Orders can be made through No Remorse www.noremorse.gr

EXCALIBUR formed in 1981 as a four piece for a school project and though only 15 years of age, were soon playing wherever they could, even in clubs and bars before they were legally allowed in such places. The band would reportedly fall asleep in class after a heavy nights gigging.
 
On finishing school EXCALIBUR went on to tour heavily and in addition recorded their first demos.  It was the ‘Back Before Dawn’ tape which caught the attention of Conquest Records who subsequently signed the band, leading to their mini album debut with ‘The Bitter End’ in 1985.
 
Expanding to a five piece in 1986 EXCALIBUR went on to release critically acclaimed recordings.
 
Their next release was the 1988 ‘Hot For Love’ EP through Clay Records, taken from a session recorded for the iconic BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock Show and produced by Mott The Hoople drummer Dale Griffin. Metal Hammer magazine lauded the release with esteemed rock critic Chris Welch giving it a 5/5 star rating.
 
1990 finally saw EXCALIBUR release their first full length album, ‘One Strange Night’, through Active Records/Music For Nations.  Reaching Number 7 in the UK Rock Charts, the release was highly praised by critics and fans, accumulating a multitude of top rated reviews across leading publications both at home and abroad.
 
EXCALIBUR built up a loyal following with constant touring and shared stages with numerous bands including Saxon, Uriah Heep and Budgie.
 
By 1992 amid a changing music scene, the members of EXCALIBUR decided to go their separate ways. But not before rounding off an illuminating career with farewell shows in the UK.