Gaskin - End of the World

This excellent piece of N.W.O.B.H.M. was Gaskin’s debut album. Coming from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire of England, Gaskin is a band that after two outstanding albums (besides this one, Gaskin released in 1982 a sophomore album entitled “No Way Out”) for Rondelet Records (also company of Witchfynde), split up way too early, in late 1983. Now the band has a contract with High Roller Records so many collectors that were in search of their discography have the opportunity to get their catalogue, including their really nice comeback record released in 2000, entitled “Stand or Fall” and of course their new* album “Edge of Madness” (*new = 2012 release). But unfortunately Gaskin was for too many years and even now in obscurity and even though their music was in a top level and similar to bands like Tygers of Pan Tang and Samson, audience seemed to have forgotten them, or never heard of them. Such a pity. All three members are brilliant musicians, each one leading the band in his own way. Vocals and guitars are splendid, the bass lines offered by the much gifted bassist Stef Prokopczuk are unmatched, while the absolute power deriving from Dave’s drumming is blasting.

“End of The World” is a great album not only for its time, but even nowadays, because it has a really timeless worth. It has great material, nice guitar work, early 80’s feeling, old school attitude, melodic sound -that is not so rough or speed worshipping like Raven, but too catchy like Tokyo Blade or Diamond Head- excellent song writing, warm and not soaring vocals in the vein of Brian Tatler of Diamond Head or Dave Owens from A-II-Z.

The album was recorded and mixed at Fairview Music Studios in April 1981. That same year the record was released in a 12” vinyl via Rondelet. In 1992 there was a Japanese edition released via Pony Canyon Inc and finally in 2011 the record was released through Krescendo in physical CD.

The album kicks off with “Sweet Dream Maker”, a catchy, kinda romantic track, which sounds ideal as an album opener. “Victim of the City” follows right after, with a pounding intro that creates a mysterious atmosphere. Lyrically it refers to the struggle and difficulties you face while mingling with the big city lights. Half – way of the track you’ll definitely notice an exceptional guitar solo. “Despizer” a perplexed track where rapid guitar riffing is replaced by a slow – paced one and vice versa. The cymbals’ crashing (almost constantly) blends wonderfully with the livid guitars; a speed gem! Heavy as hell, “Burning Alive” comes crashing down. There can be no lads or gals in the whole world who wouldn’t subconsciously shimmy their bodies or keep rhythm with their feet; there’s no way! Right about the end of the track, there’s a tune turn that acts as a surprise. Nice touch! “The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended” is a two – minute instrumental, sounding like a national anthem; rhythm guitars, bass and toms are pounding their way to success. “End of the world” is an easy – to – remember classic NWOBHM anthem that flows delightfully with its “sticky” riffing. Coming up, there’s “On My Way”, a rider’s hymn, a loner’s last resort. Steady, solid, at points even groovy making your body move. In “Lonely Man” that sorrowful solo crashing your insides stands out clearly. The rest of the track keeps up with the whole album’s speed. Heading towards the end, “I’m No Fool” knocks on our door. Could be the record’s highlight, as it’s definitely the record’s heaviest track. Fast, powerful, with a sound so special that other bands of the time would be jealous of. The track sealing of the album is “Handful of Reasons”. Slow and peaceful in the beginning, full of melody and feelings. As minutes pass, thing change. The tune gets more aggressive, but Paul’s vocals turn it into a doom-ish classic; a perfect way to bring the album to fruition.

Highlights of the album the later single “Sweet Dream Maker”, “Victim Of The City”, the title track, “Burning Alive” and the also single and Lars Ulrich’s fav (that appeared in “New Wave of British Heavy Metal ’79 Revisited”, the compilation album of various songs by various artists of the N.W.O.B.H.M. that was assembled by Metallica drummer and music journalist Geoff Barton and released in 1990) “I’m No Fool”. “End of The World” is an absolute NWOBHM classic; a melodic metal machine, with great vocals accompanied by raw sounding guitars. Do you need anything else?