"WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning," the NWOBHM gem, embodies the movement's spirit with its raw energy and anthemic tracks. Released in 1984, it's a testament to the band's brief yet impactful journey. The vinyl LP format adds nostalgia, offering collectors a tangible piece of metal history. WILDFIRE's legacy lives on, not just in music but as a time capsule of the vibrant NWOBHM era.
In the heart of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) explosion of the early 1980s, WILDFIRE emerged, a band that, despite its short lifespan, left a mark on the scene with their sole album, "Summer Lightning." Released in 1984, the album showcased a blend of hard rock and heavy metal that captured the energy and spirit of the era.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
WILDFIRE was formed in the fertile musical landscape of 1980s Britain, where a wave of bands was revitalizing the heavy metal genre. The NWOBHM movement gave rise to iconic acts like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Saxon, among others. WILDFIRE's music reflected this vibrant scene, blending powerful vocals, soaring guitar riffs, and driving rhythms.
The album, "Summer Lightning," was a testament to the band's musical exploration. The tracks ranged from anthemic rockers like the title track to more melodic pieces, showcasing the versatility of their sound. Their music embraced the raw energy of the NWOBHM movement while incorporating elements of classic hard rock, creating a unique sonic identity.
The Production Team and Studio
The album was produced by Guy Bidmead for Hooligan Productions, known for their work with various NWOBHM bands. Alfie Falckenbach served as the executive producer, overseeing the project. Patrick Cogneaux and Steve McNeill handled the sound engineering duties, ensuring a polished and powerful sound. The album was mastered by Kevin Metcalf, a renowned engineer in the industry.
The recording sessions took place in an undisclosed studio, adding to the mystique surrounding the album's creation. The band's dedication to their craft was evident in the final product, which captured their live energy and intensity.
Musicians and Frontman
WILDFIRE featured a talented lineup of musicians. Paul Mario Day, who had previously sung for Iron Maiden, led the band with his powerful vocals. His distinctive voice, combined with the band's dynamic instrumentation, created a memorable sound that resonated with fans.
Jeff Summers and Martin Bushell delivered electrifying guitar work, showcasing their technical skills and melodic sensibilities. Jeff Brown's basslines provided a solid foundation for the music, while Bruce Bisland's drumming drove the songs with relentless energy.
Music Genre: Heavy Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" was produced by: Guy Bidmead for Hooligan Productions British producer/engineer with 1980s credits that run from Exciter and Motörhead to Whitesnake, plus later metal landmarks like Coroner and Destruction. Read more... Guy Bidmead is a UK producer and recording engineer whose name shows up where tight, hard-hitting sound mattered more than studio fairy dust. He produced and engineered Exciter’s "Long Live the Loud" (1985) and "Unveiling the Wicked" (1986), and co-produced Motörhead’s "Rock ’n’ Roll" (1987). He’s also tied to the turbulent "Saints & Sinners" era in Whitesnake’s studio history, and his heavier credits include engineering on Coroner’s "Punishment for Decadence" and producing/engineering Destruction’s "Cracked Brain". In other words: if the record needed to punch cleanly instead of turning into a fuzzy wall of nope, his credit kept landing in the liner notes. Alfie Falckenbach (1950-2016) - Executive Producer I always clock his name when I spot the Mausoleum logo in the wild: the guy didn’t just push metal forward from the office chair, he even stepped up front as the singer of Blues Karloff (vocals, 2014-2016). Read more... Alfie Falckenbach, was a Belgian music producer and entrepreneur who helped wire the European heavy metal underground into something that could actually be heard outside its own rehearsal room. In 1982 he founded Mausoleum Records, the Belgian label that became a major launchpad for hard rock and metal across Europe, and he later built the wider Music Avenue universe, including Blues Boulevard for the blues side of his musical brain. I think of him as a rare breed: the businessman who still understood the sweat, the riffs, and the messy human part of making records, which is probably why he also performed as the frontman of Blues Karloff (vocals, 2014-2016). He died on March 1, 2016 after a long illness. Patrick Cogneaux - Sound Engineer Patrick Cogneaux a sound engineer associated with "Shiva Studio, Brussels, Belgium" who has worked on albums for "FN Guns", Ostrogoth, Steelover, TSA, Wildfire, Warhead and many others
Steve McNeill - Sound Engineer Kevin Metcalf - Mastering Engineer Claudia Randall - Photography Francesca Sullivan - Photography |
Record Label & Catalognr: Mausoleum records SKULL 8338 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Belgium |
Band Members and Musicians on: WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning |
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Complete Track Listing of: "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" |
The Songs/tracks on "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery of: WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning |
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| Back Cover Photo of "WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning" Album |
Close-up of the Mausoleum Record Label of "Summer Lightning"
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Mausoleum Records – SKULL 8307 , 1983 , Belgium
WILDFIRE, a prominent British NWOBHM band from 1982 to 1985, etched their legacy with the iconic album "Brute Force And Ignorance." Led by Paul Mario Day, formerly of Iron Maiden, the band's debut in 1983 showcased powerful vocals and dynamic compositions. Though short-lived, WILDFIRE's impact on the NWOBHM scene endures through their timeless sonic masterpiece, a testament to an era defined by unbridled musical expression.
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Mausoleum records SKULL 8338 , 1984 , Belgium
"WILDFIRE - Summer Lightning," the NWOBHM gem, embodies the movement's spirit with its raw energy and anthemic tracks. Released in 1984, it's a testament to the band's brief yet impactful journey. The vinyl LP format adds nostalgia, offering collectors a tangible piece of metal history. WILDFIRE's legacy lives on, not just in music but as a time capsule of the vibrant NWOBHM era.
Learn moreMAUSOLEUM Records: Belgian keepers of a vast vinyl legacy. Founded in 1980, their catalog spans heavy metal, hard rock, and punk. Discover rare gems, cult classics, and legendary artists. Dive into their discography and unearth the sonic treasures waiting to be spun.
