GRIFFIN "Flight Of The Griffin / Protectors Of The Lair" [3-CD, Slipcase]
2020 - Power/Speed from United States
Detailed Description
In all ranking lists about US Metal of the Eighties you can find Griffin at some point, even though they only released two albums. Similar to Cirith Ungol or Manilla Road the style is very peculiar. In the case of Griffin this is also caused by the unusual vocals. The debut album Flight Of The Griffin (1984, Shrapnel Rec.) is still rather simple. Songs like Heavy Metal Attack , Hawk The Slayer and the title track are regarded as classics today. In addition, the album has a quite powerful sound for an indie production. The successor Protectors Of The Lair (1986, Steamhammer/SPV) made it much more difficult for the fans to love it. The sound was much harder and faster and had a musty, mushy sound. That s why metalheads still like the debut much more than the successor. Now, in close cooperation with singer William McKay and band manager Joe Martino, the theme Protectors Of The Lair was especially pushed. The original 24-track tapes were re-recorded at the end of 2019 and rebalanced as well as remixed in 2020, then remastered by Patrick Engel (High Roller, Metal Blade, etc.). Now, for the first time, Protectors Of The Lair is released in new splendor and shows how the album should have sounded already in 1986. This 3-CD box also contains the original mix, which was remastered for the first time (by Patrick Engel), just like the debut. But that s not all! Each CD includes some demo and live recordings, being partially unknown even in collector s circles and bring each silver disc to over 70 minutes. The booklet contains many rare, never seen photos, a recent interview with singer William McKay, as well as further pictures and information. There is no better way to appreciate the work of a cult band!
Disc 1, track 1-9: "Flight of the Griffin" (Original mix, Remaster 2020) / track 10-17: Demo 1983 tracks. Disc 2, track 1-10: "Protectors of the Lair" (Remix 2020) / track 11-16: Live tracks (date not listed). Disc 3, track 1-10: "Protectors of the Lair" (Original mix, Remaster 2020) / track 11-14: Live at Keep it True Festival (2011). Booklet contains rare photos and an interview with vocalist William McCray.
