English Dogs: Forward Into Battle (1985)

For much of their early existence, English Dogs were a punk band, arising out of the fertile U.K. scene in the late 1970's/early 1980's.  That all changed however with this release.  The band went in a much more metal direction over the coming years, but this is where things really began to head in that direction.

The music here is heavily influenced by that other heavy music scene that rose out of the U.K. around the same time period, the NWOBHM.  English Dogs began incorporating speedy riffs from groups like Iron Maiden, and even some early thrash metal from groups like Metallica and Overkill.  The riffs are raucous and raw, with frenetic intensity. 

The last vestige of the band's prior punk sound can be found in the vocals.  Vocalist Adie Bailey possesses a gruff, punkish snarl.  It does not really fit the music, but it is an interesting element that helps the album stand out in its own way and provides a callback to the band's roots.

This is something of a forgotten gem.  I had no idea it existed until seeing someone mention it on a forum, and speed metal riffs with punk vocals kind of caught my attention.  This is an interesting blend of two huge heavy music scenes from the time period.  And for that, it should get a little more attention that it does.