GRAVESTONE Power/Speed Metal Canada Featured Vinyl Albums and Photo Gallery

Biography

Gravestone formed in Canada during the first half of the 1980s, a period when heavy metal was exploding into numerous sub-genres. Their sound was built on a foundation of speed metal aggression—fast riffing, double-bass drumming, and harsh but soaring vocals—tempered with melodic guitar leads and anthem-like choruses typical of power metal. This placed them in the same league as European outfits like Helloween, Rage, and Running Wild, but with a distinct North American edge.

1980s Discography

• 1984 – Victim of Chains
  Raw and unpolished debut, circulated in underground tape-trading circles. Featured early speed metal riffs with NWOBHM influences.
• 1985 – Back to Attack
  Improved production and songwriting. Balanced galloping speed tracks with heavy mid-tempo grooves. Standouts included “Dirty Tales” and “I Love the Night.”
• 1986 – Creating a Monster
  Their most defining work, with science-fiction imagery and ambitious power metal leanings. Songs like “Creating a Monster” and “The Highest Mountain” showcased strong musicianship and epic scope.
• 1988 – R.I.P.
  Final release of the decade, darker in tone with apocalyptic themes. Despite strong material, it was under-promoted and became the band’s swansong.

Collector Notes / Liner Notes

• Original pressings of Victim of Chains and Back to Attack are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
• The albums were primarily distributed through small independent Canadian and European labels, making early copies rare.
• Reissues and CD compilations have surfaced in later years, ensuring that Gravestone’s legacy remains accessible.
• The band’s albums bridge traditional heavy metal, speed, and power metal, making them important artifacts of 1980s Canadian underground metal.