Heavier! Faster! Louder! The Story of Tyneside Heavy Metal is a six-part audio documentary series narrated by renowned hard rock DJ Alan Robson. It features new interviews with members of Venom, Raven, Tygers of Pan Tang, Atomkraft, War Machine, Fist, Mythra and many more. These hugely influential Tyneside bands were at the forefront of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and helped pave the way for global titans like Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth.

The documentary was produced by Digital Producer Sarah Younas at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums and music writer John Tucker, author of Neat & Tidy, The Story of Neat Records.

All tracks licensed courtesy of BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd, except for ‘The Power’ which is used with permission from Bernadette Mooney (War Machine).

Episode One – SS Giro (released 27 February 2020)

Tyneside’s traditional heavy industries are dying. Inspired by the devil’s music, kids see guitars and amps as their way out.

Contains explicit language, discretion advised 

Music included in this episode:

The Power – War Machine (theme song)

Back To The Grind – White Spirit

SS Giro – Fist

Break The Chain – Raven

 

Episode Two – Rock Until You Drop (released 5 March 2020)

As the likes of Iron Maiden and Saxon spearheaded The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, a Tyneside record label unearths new talents.

Contains explicit language, discretion advised 

Music included in this episode:

The Power – War Machine (theme song)

Name, Rank And Serial Number, Fist

Don’t Need Your Money, Raven

Rock Until You Drop – Raven

Hard Ride – Raven

 

Episode Three – Pour The Metal In (released 12 March 2020)

Tyneside’s heavy metal subculture begins to grow. There was plenty to keep heads banging, from Metro Radio’s Hot ‘N’ Heavy Express, Sounds music paper and Kerrang! to the working men’s clubs, the City Hall and Newcastle’s legendary Mayfair

Contains explicit language, discretion advised 

Music included in this episode:

The Power – War Machine (theme song)

Storm Warning – War Machine

You’ll Never Get Me Up (In One Of Those) – Fist

The Inquisitor – Raven

 

Episode Four – In League With Satan (released 19 March 2020)

There’s no one deadlier than Venom, the cult Newcastle band that pushed the boundaries and spawned a new genre – black metal.

Contains explicit language, discretion advised 

Music included in this episode:

The Power – War Machine (theme song)

In Nomine Satanas – Venom

Manitou – Venom

Angel Dust – Venom

In League With Satan – Venom

Welcome To Hell – Venom

 

Episode Five – At War With Satan (released 26 March 2020)

Tyneside heavy metal makes a big impression across the pond but a moral panic is brewing.

Contains explicit language and references to violence, suicide and drugs, discretion advised 

Music included in this episode:

The Power – War Machine (theme song)

Live At The Inferno – Raven

Die Hard – Venom

Future Warriors – Atomkraft

Black Metal – Venom

At War With Satan (preview) – Venom

 

Episode Six – Don’t Need Your Money (released 2 April 2020)

Neat Records meets its demise but Tyneside’s heavy metal heroes won’t go quietly

Contains explicit language, discretion advised 

Music included in this episode:

The Power – War Machine (theme song)

Deceiver – Mantas

Lost and Found – Fist

Pour The Metal In – Atomkraft