Steel City Rock: A Sonic Time Capsule Resurfaces 45 Years Later

In a thunderous nod to the roots of heavy metal, Gaz Holmes, the mastermind behind the legendary Skullcrusher fanzine, is resurrecting the spirit of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) with a CD release of his iconic compilation, Steel City Rock. Originally birthed in the gritty heart of Sheffield back in 1982, this collection serves as a time capsule of the era’s raw energy and defiant spirit.

Holmes, who started Skullcrusher after the demise of his own band Zayus, aimed to give a voice to the underground metal scene that was often overlooked. “I ran it for exactly a year, we did 50 issues, I did it weekly off my own Gestetner printing machine in the kitchen, put it together myself, stapled it and went out and sold it,” he recalls, a testament to the DIY ethos that has fueled the metal community since its inception.

The original Steel City Rock cassette featured a host of Sheffield's unsung heroes, including Alyx, Fallen Angel, and Renegade, capturing the pulse of a city that was alive with heavy riffs and thunderous drums. “We just did it exactly the same as the fanzine, I sold them at gigs, they were at Virgin Records at the bottom of the Moor and in Record Collector,” Holmes reminisces, showcasing the grassroots efforts that defined the era.

Now, 45 years later, Holmes is set to unleash this piece of history on CD through his newly minted Skullcrusher Records. But it’s not just about nostalgia; Holmes is committed to a cause greater than music. “All the proceeds after production costs will go to musical activities to help people with early onset dementia,” he states, merging the past with a purpose that resonates deeply within the community.

As the metal scene continues to evolve, Steel City Rock stands as a powerful reminder of the genre's roots, and an essential listen for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. Get ready to crank it up and support a worthy initiative that keeps the spirit of metal alive!