The Joe Geesin Column
Marshall Law – Marshall Law / Power Game
Those following the rejuvenation of the UK Metal scene of the late 80s, maybe those at University at the time, in both cases that includes me, then Marshall Law may have crossed your path.
This Birmingham formed band, very much in the trad heavy metal mould, trod many of the same boards as Excalibur who I’ve already featured. I got to know the band personally when they played The Shelley Arms, Nutley, East Sussex, and twice at Birmingham University, their eponymous debut appeared in 1989, originally released on the Wolverhampton based Heavy Metal / Revolver label. It was very much in the Judas Priest direction.
Think Ram It Down combined with Painkiller. Polished trad British Metal. Lots of dual guitar, big vocal/guitar harmonies, all perfect for the teenage headbanger as I was then.
I saw the band a total of 8 times in a short period of time, between Nutley, Birmingham Uni and clubs in Birmingham such as Edwards No. 8 (the same venue I saw Ian Gillan on his Garth Rocket & The Moonshiners tour).
The debut album has been reissued a few times, most recently in 2017 on Dissonance Productions, with several extra tracks.
Two years later they issued the Power Crazy EP; I have the 12”, but it was also issued on CD, and a genuine rarity now. I was a rabid fan back in the day, so they were very forthcoming, more than happy to sign records and talk to young fans.
Things picked up for the band in 1993 with their second album, Power Game. This was produced by Robin George (renowned guitarist, songwriter), who departed this world not too long go. A wonderful album, that was reissued some years later on Angel Air. For that reissue I wrote the sleevenotes, interviewing Robin as well as vocalist Andy Pyke and guitarist Andy Southwell.
Between Angel Air and Majestic, I’d worked with Robin on solo and David Byron releases, and he was such an amenable chap, always a gent.
The band released several more albums, becoming heavier, in a more brutal power metal direction (Judas Priest are a mere Journey or Foreigner in comparison). Good, heavy, but these first two albums are the ones I return to most.
Joe Geesin | Now Spinning Magazine
