Back around 1980 give or take a year either way the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was in its ascendancy.
Bands springing up overnight up and down the UK and often disappearing again by the following night. Competition for record company attention was fierce. One of those bands went by the name of Chaser.
They hailed from the Ipswich area of Suffolk. Perhaps the geographics made it harder with Suffolk being largely rural and not noted for a rock music pedigree.
Not to be deterred, Chaser chased the dream and worked hard at it gigging hard locally and building a reputation.
The effort would not be royally rewarded. A single did see the light of day – the now much sought after Raiders with the B-side of Final Stand.
Chaser had the chops sure enough. Much more to their style than outright fast-paced juddering rifferama (which they do very well). They had the variation, changes of pace, fine guitar work and tasty arrangements to make a fine band with much promise.
However, like many at the time, Chaser found that talent did not always translate in to sales or recording contracts. The band split and that looked like being that.
The fortunate “however” being that back in the day Chaser were able to sneak in to the studio and lay down sufficient material for a full album.
Despite never being released and laying alone and forgotten about for some thirty years it has been picked up by the good folk at Skol Records who do so much to keep NWOBHM in the spotlight.
Remastered, released and titled Raiders- the Anthology the band’s sole single and the “lost” songs are all together on one glorious musical offering.
It goes to showcase how good Chaser were back then and the songs stand up well today against any other. It “rocks” hard yes, and it a little raw in paces. Although it has style and panache to compliment that.
Here’s a fine example: For King and for Country
Dammed good is it not. A slashing/pacey central riff, time changes, fluid guitar breaks, epic feel.
Plenty more just as enjoyable throughout the CD (or download if you prefer).
Do check out Chaser for yourself. After listening ask yourself why a band this good didn’t get a deal and instead became another NWOBHM band lost in the movement. A thoroughly recommended listen.
>> CHASER. RAIDERS – THE ANTHOLOGY AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON HERE
