BLACK
STEEL were formed in early 2000 in the city of
Perth in Western Australia. Comprising members from a pedigree of
some of WA's most respected bands - Dave Harrison (ex-ALLEGIANCE),
Jamie Page (ex-TRILOGY/BLACK ALICE). BLACK STEEL are purveyors of
traditional classic heavy metal music with an emphasis on high
calibre musicianship, strong melody, double kick drumming, soaring
vocals, big choruses and dual guitar soloing. Members of BLACK
STEEL have toured & played with many of the genres biggest
names in previous outfits in their home country. Dave has toured
with the likes of PANTERA, SLAYER, ROB HALFORD, MACHINE HEAD,
ANTHRAX, SEPULTURA etc..
Jamie’s background includes recording with musicians such as the
late COZY POWELL (Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Malmsteen
etc) & writing credits for Queen guitarist BRIAN MAY, movie
soundtracks & gigs with 80's NWOBHM era musicians Dennis Wilcox
(IRON MAIDEN original vocalist) & members of 80's cult metal
act ANGEL WITCH & gigs with MOTORHEAD, DEEP PURPLE etc.
BLACK STEEL’s first recorded effort was the 'BATTLE CALL' EP. The
four tracks on the disc are the first written songs by BLACK STEEL;
recorded in just over 2 days at Survival Studios in Western
Australia. The first pressing sold out in just a few short weeks.
Positive reviews followed in many metal 'zines, websites &
major magazines including biggies like Heavy Order Was &
Kerrang! The EP created a positive buzz throughout the metal
underground, topped a number of independent charts and received
airplay on Metal shows throughout the country
In late 2000 BLACK STEEL recorded a rendition of the AC/DC classic
‘Dirty Deeds’ for the AC/DC Hometown tribute CD released thru
Oracle records.
Some big breaks were offered to the band in 2001 with the band
opening for DEEP PURPLE & also JUDAS PRIEST on their respective
Australian tours.
The full length debut BLACK STEEL album 'Destructor' was released
in late 2001. The album showcases a continuation of the melodic
metal style developed on their 'Battle Call' EP. The diverse range
of songs with big choruses and anthemic metal themes, included mid
paced rockers to fast double kick screaming heavy metal - in the
classic tradition of prime era Judas Priest, Iron Maiden &
Accept with cutting edge metal production.. Drawing from a wide
range of influences & a wealth of experience, attention to
detail was the upmost priority in the production & song writing
process. The release of the ‘Destructor’ album ignited a great deal
of interest in the band from around the world with positive reviews
in many major metal magazines and websites. The album’s title track
was selected for inclusion in Germanys 'Heavy Oder Was' Magazine
'Metal Crusade Vol 4' cover mount CD with a distribution of 40 000
copies. Black Steel are also featured on the 'Left Of Centre 2'
compilation and Australian National Radio JJJ compilation 'Full
Metal racket Vol 2'.
In Oct 2002 Black Steel signed a licensing agreement with
Adrenaline Records subsiduary 'Steel Heart Records' for release
across Europe, & also 'CD-Maximum' for release in Russian
territories.
2003 saw the band trimming back to a 4 piece with Jamie Page
handling all guitar duties & the band playing on the
prestigious Big Day Out festival headlined by Metallica.
A 3 track EP ‘Relentless Force’ was released in 2004 featuring
bonus tribute songs Saxon's 'Power & The Glory'(which also
features on the 'Tribute To The Glory Of 80's Metal CD released
through Adrenaline Records) & Thin Lizzy 'Emerald'. Lizzy –
‘Emerald’
In November 2005 Black Steel released 'Hellhammer' featuring 11
tracks & recorded at Bonsai Studios in Western Australia. Still
featuring their traditional brand of melodic metal, the album also
featured some much heavier tracks, such as the angry album opener
'Annihilate', followed by the equally brutal 'That Was Then, This
Is Now'. Positive reviews followed once again, and IRON MAIDEN lead
singer BRUCE DICKINSON plugged Black Steel on his BBC Radio Show
'Bruce's Rock Show', airing the track 'Slaughterhouse' on a couple
of occasions.
In 2006, Black Steel recorded a cover version of Pantera's 'Heavy
Metal Rules', for inclusion on the late Dimebag Darrell (PANTERA /
DAMAGE PLAN guitarist) tribute album 'The Art Of Shredding - A
Tribute To Dime' (Darkstar Records).
In 2008, Black Steel were approached to again support JUDAS PRIEST,
on the Perth leg of the bands 'Nostradamus' Tour, and the original
recording line-up of Matt Williams, Jamie Page, Andrew Di Stefano,
Dave Harrison and Damien Petrilli were re-united for the show.
Matt Williams, Jamie Page and Dave Harrison all appeared Project X's (Australia) album 'D Generation', which was released in 2011.
Discography:
Hellhammer (LP)
Hellhammer (2005)
Relentless Force (Single)
Destructor - European version (2002)
Destructor (2001)
Battle Call (EP)
Genre:
Heavy Metal |
Band members:
Matt Williams - Vocals
Jamie Page - Guitar
Andrew Di Stefano - Guitar
Dave Harrison - Bass
Damien Petrilli - Drums
Based in:
Perth, WA