The HANDSOME BEASTS: Beastiality CD + 4 Bonus songs! N.W.O.B.H.M. Check samples.

THE HANDSOME BEASTS - BEASTIALITY CD
British Steel
CDMETAL 5
1996

Garry Dalway (V)
Pete Malbasa (D)
Steven Hough (B)
Paul Robins (G)

1. Sweeties 03:37
2. David's Song 03:11
3. Breaker 02:24
4. One In A Crowd 03:29
5. Local Heroes 03:19
6. Another Day 08:30
7. Crazy 03:24
8. Tearing Me Apart 04:12
9. High Speed 04:43
+ 4 Bonus songs
10. The Mark Of The Beast
11. All Riot Now
12. Sweeties
13. You're On Your Own

The Handsome Beasts were a pretty well-known N.W.O.B.H.M act that enjoyed considerable (especially local) success and had a pretty loyal fanbase from what I understood. Their sound can be described of somewhat of a rougher version of well-known act Diamond Head, another NWOBHM stalwart. ‘Beastiality’ is their fairly well-known (if not just for the hilarious cover art) debut release.

Anyway, this collection of cuts is of decent quality. I particular enjoy the vocals of the now deceased (RIP) vocalist Gary Dalway, who has a considerable degree of talent. Overall, the sound is very much in the classic NWOBHM and definitely retains that British 70’s rock feel.

I enjoy tracks like ‘One in a Crowd’. This is typical of their style with a variety of (admittedly simplistic) punchy guitar riffs coming through which though not exactly innovative, due the job well and carry through the band’s approach. The gallopy bass and snare antics in the main parts of the verse give the song somewhat of a Black Sabbath feel; something which is not uncommon in early NWOBHM. Galway’s delivery is kinda rough, but proves his ability in the “ooooooh” type bits which are typical of Diamond Head. This track is sort of the bands take on the ‘rock anthem’ type track, but very much tackled in their own way. I enjoy Galway’s screams too.

‘Local Heroes’ is the bands own anthem, with (presumably) self-referencing lyrics. These lyrics include “climbing the ladder of success” to become the top band. The verse riffage in this one is again simplistic, but again – effective, almost Ted Nugent-esque. Quite a simple song again, in the style typical of ‘The ‘Beasts’, but really fun, and would make a great party song. Galway has some great moments, while the drums come through really weak due to the poor production on this early release.

Overall, this NWOBHM act certainly has their own approach, however remain deeply entrenched in 70’s rock traditions – with touches of ‘Sabbath, and even The Who coming through at times, though I don’t know if this was the intention. Most material is simplistic, yet the distinct sound the band has, along with the certain presence of Galway adds some spark and panache. Some great lyrics including in the track ‘Another Day’. This one’s worthy of checking out for NWOBHM fans but is pretty hard to find. Simplistic, yet enjoyable.

The Beasts put out three 7" eps before releasing this bluesy NWOBHM LP. There are hints of some southern rock, lots of hardrock/metal, and some blues. The band was fronted by that dude on the front cover of this record, Garry Dalloway (who had the nick-name "the original fat bastard"). Garry passed away in 2005.
The band formed in the late 70's, and the dude that ran Heavy Metal Records(Witchfinder General, Holocaust, etc)started the label because he couldn't get the Beasts an LP deal with Major labels.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Meat & Potatoes bluesy NWOBHM, This is a good record, one of NWOBHM's strongest links to pub band, blues-rock oriented music. As essential as Diamond Head or Tank if you're interested in this genre....and if you can find a copy.