LIONSHEART

LIONSHEART
Biography & Discography

1. The Legacy of NWOBHM and the Bastion of 90s Melodic Metal

In the early 1990s, while the global music scene was undergoing a dramatic transformation with the rise of grunge and alternative rock, LIONSHEART was a rare existence that stubbornly defended the stylistic beauty of traditional British hard rock and heavy metal.

1.1 Background

LIONSHEART was formed in 1990, featuring vocalist Steve Grimmett, who had already achieved legendary status through his fame with Grim Reaper and Onslaught. LIONSHEART's musical style was characterized by powerful vocals, technical guitar solos, and lyrical melodies, placing them in the lineage of classic bands like Judas Priest and Whitesnake.

2. Prehistory: Steve Grimmett and the Evolution of the British Metal Scene (1980s–1990)

To understand the formation of LIONSHEART, it is necessary to examine the career of its core member, Steve Grimmett, and overview the state of the British metal scene at the time.

2.1 Steve Grimmett's Early Career

Steve Grimmett was born on August 19, 1959, in Swindon, England. His musical career began with the short-lived band Medusa. However, it was his joining of Grim Reaper that truly made his name famous worldwide.

Grim Reaper Era (1982–1988)

Joining Grim Reaper in 1982, Grimmett quickly garnered attention in the late stages of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement with his overwhelming vocal volume and wide-range screams.

• See You in Hell (1983): The debut album. The title track gained airplay on MTV, establishing a foothold in the American market.
• Fear No Evil (1985): The second album, which continued their commercial success.
• Rock You to Hell (1987): The third album, aiming for a more polished production.

However, due to legal troubles and unfair contracts with their label, Ebony Records, the band did not receive financial returns matching their commercial success, forcing them to disband in 1988. This bitter experience is believed to have influenced Grimmett's cautious approach toward rights and legalities when forming LIONSHEART later on.

Joining and Departing Onslaught

After the disbandment of Grim Reaper, Grimmett joined the thrash metal band Onslaught. The album he participated in, "In Search of Sanity" (1989), became the most commercially successful work in the band's history, but it also faced criticism from fans for being "too melodious." Grimmett's style was rooted in traditional heavy metal and did not necessarily align perfectly with the aggressiveness of thrash metal.

2.2 The British Music Scene in 1990: A Turbulent Era

In 1990, the British heavy metal scene was facing an identity crisis.

1. The End of NWOBHM: The fervor of the early '80s had faded, and many bands had either disbanded or transitioned to a more Americanized sound.
2. The Footsteps of Grunge: From Seattle, USA, grunge bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains were beginning to rise, and existing metal characterized by flashy looks and guitar solos was increasingly viewed as "outdated."
3. The Rise of Death Metal: In the underground, more extreme death metal was flourishing, narrowing the space for orthodox metal.

Under these circumstances, Grimmett sought a new vehicle to pursue his inherent strength: "melodic and powerful orthodox heavy metal." This became the direct motivation for forming LIONSHEART.

3. Band Formation and Early Turmoil (1990–1992)

The formation process of LIONSHEART was a complex blend of musical ambition and interpersonal friction.

3.1 The Concept by the Owers Brothers and Grimmett's Joining

The core of the band originated from twin musicians from the New Forest in southern England.

• Mark Owers: Guitar
• Steve Owers: Bass

They had previously been active in bands such as Fury and Touche, but deeply felt the need for a powerful frontman to achieve global success. Therefore, they set their sights on Steve Grimmett, who was a free agent at the time. Grimmett listened to their demo tape, appreciated its musical potential, and decided to join.

The initial lineup was as follows:

• Steve Grimmett: Vocals
• Mark Owers: Guitar
• Steve Owers: Bass
• Graham Collett: Keyboards
• Anthony Christmas: Drums

3.2 Recording and Legal Battles

With this lineup, the band entered Black Barn Studios and began recording their debut album. With assistance from experts like producer Robin Black, they pursued a grand sound production reminiscent of '80s arena rock.

However, in 1992, just as the recording was completed and they were about to move toward their debut, the band faced a crisis of division. The founding Owers brothers left the band (it is also reported they were fired, but details stem from complex internal affairs). This departure escalated into a serious legal dispute. The points of contention were the rights to use the band name "LIONSHEART" and the rights to the recorded tracks. After a long legal battle, Grimmett's side won the rights to the band name. As a result, despite being a band created by the Owers brothers, they followed a fickle destiny of debuting as Grimmett's band in their absence.

4. Debut Album and Explosive Success in Japan (1992–1993)

Following the departure of the Owers brothers, Grimmett was urgently forced to recruit a new rhythm and string section. The following two members joined at this point:

• Nick Burr: Guitar (ex-Killers, etc.)
• Zak Bajjon: Bass

The addition of Nick Burr was especially decisive. His playing style combined technical shredding with lyrical phrasing, creating a perfect chemical reaction with Grimmett's singing style.

4.1 Analysis of the 1st Album "Lionsheart"

Released in Europe in 1992 and in early 1993 in Japan, the self-titled debut album is known as a masterpiece of orthodox British hard rock.

Data Item	Details
Album Name	Lionsheart
Release Year	1992 (Europe) / February 19, 1993 (Japan)
Label	Music For Nations (UK) / Pony Canyon (Japan)
Japanese Catalog Number	PCCY-00412
Chart Position	High ranking on the Oricon Album Chart (specific details below)

Song Commentary (Introduction of All Tracks)

The tracks on this album fuse blues-based hard rock with a heavy, '90s-style production.

1. Had Enough (4:44)
   The fast-paced opening track. Featuring Grimmett's screams and Nick Burr's aggressive riffs, it serves as the band's signature song.
2. World of Pain (4:51)
   A heavy mid-tempo number. The lyrics depict social anguish.
3. Ready or Not (3:25)
   A live-oriented rock 'n' roll number with a catchy chorus.
4. So Cold (5:36)
   A slow number exuding a bluesy atmosphere, highlighting Grimmett's expressiveness.
5. Can't Believe (3:51)
   An important track. A moving power ballad that received immense support from Japanese fans, emphasizing the beauty of Grimmett's vocals.
6. Portrait (6:42)
   The long-form highlight of the album, characterized by dramatic progression and Nick Burr's crying guitar solo.
7. Living in a Fantasy (4:06)
   A melodious song featuring arrangements by keyboardist Graham Collett.
8. Stealer (4:00)
   A cover of Free (though some sources claim it as an original, it might be a different song with the same title. However, the style reflects reverence for Paul Rodgers).
9. All I Need (4:36)
   Characterized by a melancholy melody line.
10. Have Mercy (4:00)
    Hard rock with a strong sense of groove.
11. Going Down (3:25)
    A blues standard famous from the Jeff Beck Group and others, showing the band's roots.
12. Good Enough (4:20)
    A track with a positive vibe that closes out the album.
13. Stealer (Original Demo Mix)
    Bonus track for the Japanese edition. Highly likely to be a take from the Owers brothers' era, possessing significant historical value.

4.2 Occurrence of the "Big in Japan" Phenomenon

• UK & Europe: The response from the press and the market was cold. At the time, grunge was at its peak, and this kind of "good old metal" was treated as an anachronism.
• Japan: In contrast, it became an explosive hit in Japan. It graced the cover of the specialized magazine "BURRN!" and scored high marks in reviews. The album ranked on the Oricon chart, achieving exceptional sales for a rookie band.

The reasons why Japanese fans supported LIONSHEART are clear.

1. Trust in Steve Grimmett: His name recognition dating back to the Grim Reaper era.
2. Craving for "Stylistic Beauty": In contrast to the raw sound of grunge, there was a substantial demographic in Japan seeking structured guitar solos and high-tone vocals.
3. Looks: The classic metal appearance of long hair and leather appealed to Japanese fans (especially female fans).

Following this success, the band performed a tour in Japan, which would later be recorded as the live album "Rising Sons." They also toured Europe with Magnum and Lillian Axe, proving their capability as a live band.

5. The 2nd Album "Pride In Tact" and the Struggle Against the Headwinds (1994)

Receiving the success of their debut work (mainly in Japan), the band confidently entered production for their second album. The lineup maintained the touring members from the previous work.

• Steve Grimmett (Vo)
• Nick Burr (Gt)
• Zak Bajjon (Ba)
• Graham Collett (Key)
• Anthony Christmas (Dr)

5.1 Analysis of the Album "Pride In Tact"

Released in 1994, the title of this work was a play on words for "Pride Intact" (pride is undamaged / pride remains as it is), suggesting LIONSHEART's stance of continuing to hold high the pride of orthodox metal amidst the grunge whirlwind.

Data Item	Details
Album Name	Pride In Tact
Release Year	1994
Label	Music For Nations (UK) / Pony Canyon (Japan)
Japanese Catalog Number	PCCY-00651

Song Commentary

While inheriting the direction of the previous work, it has become a piece that shows increased unity as a band.

1. Deja Vu (3:54)
   An up-tempo number beginning with a catchy riff.
2. I'll Stand Up (5:36)
   A powerful anthem singing about the will to stand against adversity.
3. I Believe In Love (4:53)
   A melodious hard pop approach.
4. Love Remains (5:04)
   An emotional ballad.
5. Something For Nothing (4:22)
6. Pain In My Heart (4:46)
7. Gods Of War (5:07)
   The heaviest and most dramatic song on the album, following the royal road of metal.
8. Stronger Than Steel (6:01)
   Just as the title suggests, this song centers on ironclad solidarity and strength.
9. (Take A Little) Piece Of My Heart (4:37)
   A cover of the song famous for Janis Joplin's performance. Grimmett's soulful singing shines, featuring a Whitesnake-like approach.
10. Who's The Wise Man (Jacie's Song) (3:03)
11. I'll Be There (5:02)
12. Relentless (4:21)
13. Love Won't Bring Me Down (5:26)
    Bonus track for the Japanese edition.

5.2 Struggles in the Market and the Departure of Members

While "Pride In Tact" continued to record strong sales in the Japanese market and broke into the Oricon charts, the situation in Europe and America progressively worsened. The year 1994 was a definitive year for the rise of Britpop and the dominance of American alternative rock, and opportunities for bands like LIONSHEART to be featured in the media were virtually non-existent.

This sense of stagnation also caused rifts within the band.

• In 1995, drummer Anthony Christmas departed.
• Subsequently, in 1997, guitarist Nick Burr and bassist Zak Bajjon, who were the cornerstones of the sound, also left the band.

As a result, the band once again strengthened its character as a project centered around Steve Grimmett.

6. The 3rd Album "Under Fire" and Hiatus (1998)

Having lost major members, Grimmett gathered new musicians and set to work on the third album. The musical style during this period subtly incorporated the atmosphere of the era, shifting toward a darker, drier textured sound rather than the radiance of the past.

6.1 New Lineup

• Steve Grimmett: Vocals
• Brooke St. James: Guitar
• Mike O'Brien: Drums
• Graham Collett: Keyboards (Departed after this work)

Regarding the bass, though the name Eddie Marsh is sometimes credited, his participation is said to have been on a session basis.

6.2 Analysis of the Album "Under Fire"

Released in 1998, this work is the one where "hesitation" is most felt in the band's history, while simultaneously being a piece that exudes maturity.

Data Item	Details
Album Name	Under Fire
Release Year	1998
Label	Music For Nations (UK) / Pony Canyon (Japan)
Japanese Catalog Number	PCCY-01224

Song Commentary

Overall, the tempo is slowed down, with many songs emphasizing the groove.

1. Lonely Tonight (6:00)
   A heavy mid-tempo number for an opening track.
2. Go Down (2:56)
3. Blue Sky (4:24)
4. Let the Children Play (5:26)
   A message song lamenting the future of children.
5. Devil's Train (3:46)
6. Dark of the Night (5:16)
7. Flights of Angels (5:00)
8. Make Believe (4:46)
9. On a Roll (3:14)
10. Cold Heart (3:44)
11. Under Fire (3:15)
    The title track.
12. Lost in Tokyo (4:13)
    Bonus track for the Japanese edition. As the title indicates, this song sings of gratitude toward their most loyal supporters, the Japanese fans, and memories of days in Tokyo. The very existence of this song illustrates the importance of the Japanese market to LIONSHEART.

6.3 Moving to Hiatus

After the release of "Under Fire," the status of orthodox metal in the music scene was at rock bottom, making it difficult for the band to sustain activities. Grimmett shifted his focus to other projects (such as The Steve Grimmett Band), and LIONSHEART entered a state of effective disbandment (or long-term hiatus).

7. Resurrection and End: From "Abyss" to Steve's Death (2000s–2022)

Entering the 2000s, a boom of re-evaluating "'80s metal" began to sweep mainly through Europe alongside the spread of the internet. This gave Grimmett the motivation to resume activities bearing the name of LIONSHEART once again.

7.1 Live Album "Rising Sons" (2002)

As a stepping stone for resuming activities, the live album "Rising Sons - Live in Japan 1993," which recorded sound sources from their 1993 Japan tour, was released in 2002.

• Rising Sons: Meaning "rising sons," it is a double meaning playing on the Japanese flag, the "Rising Sun."

This album vacuum-packed the energy of the band's heyday, reconfirming the tremendous nature of Nick Burr's guitar playing.

7.2 The 4th Album "Abyss" and the Final Lineup (2004)

In 2004, the band released their first studio album in six years, "Abyss," declaring a complete comeback.

Final Lineup

• Steve Grimmett: Vocals
• Ian Nash: Guitar
• Steve Hales: Drums
• Eddie Marsh: Bass

Guitarist Ian Nash, in particular, would become an indispensable partner in Grimmett's subsequent career (the resurrected Grim Reaper).

Analysis of the Album "Abyss"

Data Item	Details
Album Name	Abyss
Release Year	2004
Label	Frontiers Records (Europe) / Majestic Rock (Japan)
Japanese Catalog Number	ARMJ-019 / DDCZ-1189 (Reissue)

The sound of "Abyss" is significantly heavier and darker compared to past works, incorporating elements of modern power metal. It features down-tuned guitars and Grimmett's more aggressive singing.

Main Included Tracks:

1. Screaming (3:59): A song opening with intense riffs, suitable as a signal flare for their comeback.
2. Nightmare (3:56)
3. I'm Alive (4:44): As the title "I'm Alive" indicates, it is Grimmett's declaration as a survivor.
4. Abyss (4:59): A heavy title track.
5. Only When I Sleep: Bonus track for the Japanese edition. A cover of the hit song by The Corrs, the unexpected selection became a topic of conversation.

7.3 Subsequent Activities of Steve Grimmett and His Final Years

After "Abyss," Grimmett gradually phased out activities under the LIONSHEART name, focusing his efforts on the reformation of his roots, Grim Reaper (under the name Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper). Ian Nash also accompanied him.

Battle with Illness and Indomitable Spirit: In January 2017, during a tour in Ecuador, Grimmett suffered a serious infection in his right leg and was forced to make the harsh decision of a below-the-knee amputation. However, without succumbing to this tragedy, he fitted a prosthetic leg and returned to the stage with astonishing speed. In July of the same year, at Germany's "Bang Your Head!!!" festival, he sang passionately from a wheelchair, deeply moving many fans.

Passing: On August 15, 2022, Steve Grimmett ended his life's journey at the age of 62. With his death, the history of LIONSHEART also brought its curtain down forever.

8. Detailed Member Profiles

Here, detailed profiles of the primary members involved with the band are documented.

Founding Members

• Steve Grimmett - Vocals (1990–2022)
  • History: Medusa, Chateaux, Grim Reaper, Onslaught, Lionsheart, The Steve Grimmett Band, Grimmstine.
  • Characteristics: A renowned singer representing NWOBHM. He freely commanded powerful mid-range vocals alongside piercing high-tone screams.
• Mark Owers - Guitar (1990–1992)
• Steve Owers - Bass (1990–1992)
  • History: Fury, Touche.
  • Notes: Despite being a founder of the band, he departed before the debut. He was involved in composing early tracks.

Classic Lineup: 1992–1995

• Nick Burr - Guitar (1992–1997)
  • History: Killers, Battlezone.
  • Contribution: A technical guitarist who defined the sound of the 1st and 2nd albums. The balance between his melodic phrasing and aggressive riffs was exquisite.
  • Notes: He has no blood relation to Clive Burr, the former drummer of Iron Maiden (a common misconception).
• Zak Bajjon - Bass (1992–1997)
  • Contribution: Supported the bottom of the band with a stable bassline.
• Anthony Christmas - Drums (1990–1995)
  • Contribution: The big, '80s-style drum sound on the debut album was due to his playing.
• Graham Collett - Keyboards (1990–1998)
  • Contribution: Added depth and color to the band's sound. Characterized by a craftsman-like playing style that enhanced the tracks without ever stepping too far forward.

Later Members

• Ian Nash - Guitar (2000s)
  • History: Seven Deadly Sins, Tainted Nation, Steve Grimmett's Grim Reaper.
  • Contribution: In charge of the modern, heavy guitar work on "Abyss." Grimmett's close ally in his later years.
• Steve Hales - Drums (2000s)
• Mike O'Brien - Drums (1995–1998)
• Brooke St. James - Guitar (1998)
  • History: Sharing the name with the guitarist of the American band Tyketto, it is highly likely they are the same person (as Tyketto was also signed to Music For Nations around that time).

9. Discography List

Below is a summary of all album lists for LIONSHEART. Please pay particular attention to the specifications of the Japanese editions.

Studio Albums

Release Year	Title	Japanese Label	Notes
1992/1993	Lionsheart	Pony Canyon	Representative work. A major hit in Japan. Includes "Stealer (Demo)."
1994	Pride In Tact	Pony Canyon	Includes "Love Won't Bring Me Down."
1998	Under Fire	Pony Canyon	Includes "Lost in Tokyo."
2004	Abyss	Majestic Rock	Includes "Only When I Sleep."

Live Albums

Release Year	Title	Label	Notes
2002	Rising Sons - Live in Japan 1993	Zoom Club	Records the Japan tour during their heyday.

10. A Special Bond with the Japanese Market

When looking back at the history of LIONSHEART, the existence of the Japanese market cannot be ignored. Why was LIONSHEART loved to such an extent in Japan?

1. Influence of "BURRN!" Magazine: The Japanese heavy metal specialty magazine "BURRN!" consistently supported bands that emphasized melody and technique, unaffected by Western trends. LIONSHEART perfectly aligned with this editorial policy, and frequent exposure contributed to expanding their fanbase.
2. Loyalty: Grimmett understood the importance of the Japanese market, preparing Japan-exclusive bonus tracks for each album and actively conducting tours in Japan. Songs like "Lost in Tokyo" symbolize the bond with the fans.
3. Sanctuary of the Genre: In the '90s, while heavy metal faced a "winter age" worldwide, Japan, along with Germany, functioned as a "sanctuary" for orthodox metal to survive. LIONSHEART was one of the bands that benefited the most from this.

Steve Grimmett may have walked a path of hardships in terms of commercial success. However, the body of work he left through LIONSHEART continues to radiate the brilliance of "true heavy metal" unaffected by trends, and will live on forever, particularly in the hearts of Japanese fans.