NWoBHM Vault! - Requiem

Midland’s REQUIEM was one of the heaviest proposition to come out of the early 80’ British metal scene and part of the so called NWOBHM scene.
They never achieved a great deal and never got the recognition they deserved, but two decades later they have gained the status of a cult band. They are still remembered today for one of the best and heaviest nwobhm single all time. I tracked down the band and managed to get some boring questions answered. All 4 members worked on this interview.

MARCH 2005

When and where was REQUIEM formed and who was in the first line up ? I know Steve Slater ( who switched in the meantime from bass to guitar), came from another local band called ARC. ARC , responsible for two very collectable singles, played in a similar heavy and Sabbath influenced style.
The band was formed in 1979 in Wolverhampton England. The first line up to gig was: Steve Slater, Karl Wilcox, Gordon Denny and Mike Reid. We had just left school (16 & 17.)

Did REQUIEM play live on a regular basis and what kind of venues were you getting ? Did you share the stage with other local heavy metal bands ? If so, do you remember a few names ?
Yes, the band gigged on a regular basis at theatres, clubs and the occasional stadium arena from 1979 through 1984. Both headlining and support to big names in rock. The band shared the stage with other local metal bands such as Budgie, Wicked Sister and Jameson Raid amongst others.

What was the response of the audience ? Any particular memories ?
Audiences thoroughly enjoyed Rekuiem shows (headbanging).Regarding memories- Hangin' out with Budgie who were boyhood heros. Over the top pyrotechnics great crowds, dodgy vans and playing
some great venues throughout the UK; many of which have disappeared off the live music scene.

How many songs had you got written by the time the single was released ? Any cover songs in the live set ?
We played no covers in our set. We jammed them during rehearsals though.
Approximately 15 songs by 1980 along with many other ideas.

Did REQUIEM record a demo before going to the vinyl stage ? If so, can you give us some details about the tracks, how did you sell this demo ?
Yes, we recorded a demo at Midland Recording Studios. Featuring: 'Mists of Hell', 'Devils Shrine' and 'Sinners Remorse'. We sold the tape at gigs. This is probably worth a pretty penny if you can find it.

Which bands were you playing on your turntable in those days ? It should be no surprise to find that Sabbath was a big influence, right ?
You are spot on with the Sabbath influence. Other bands we were listening to: Judas Priest, Deep Purple, U.F.O. Scorpions, AC/DC, Slade and Rainbow to name but a few. A lot of what is now called Classic Rock.

By 1980, REQUIEM unleashed its legendary two tracker, the “Angel of Sin / Sacrificial Wanderer” single. Was it a self financed affair, how many copies of the single did you press actually ?
The Single was a self financed affair and a limited edition pressing of 1000.

Did the single get any reviews in the press ?
Yes the single was reviewed (we are trying to locate press cuttings). And played in rock venues throughout the country.

Mike Reid vocals sound dark and mournful, a perfect combination with Steve Slater’s heavy riffing. The general impression one can get after a listening session of the REQUIEM single is fantastic, you can almost smell the graveyard, these epic and sorrowful compositions are simply mindblowing. It’s obvious that REQUIEM would have a more wider audience nowadays than in the early eighties. Did REQUIEM had a good local following and a real fan base by the time the single was released ?
Rekuiem had a strong local and national following of fans. Many of whom appreciated what we call 'Doom Metal'

The single plays 33 rpm as both songs are quite lengthy (over 6-7 minutes each). I find it really great, this allows some beautiful instrumental parts like the very long lead break on “ Angel of Sin”. Are these lengthy compositions a particular REQUIEM trademark ?
The legendary compositions are a distinctive trademark of Rekuiem and we stay true to this today. Although Karl likes to slice 'em up now and then. There are several lengthy compositions included on the forthcoming album 'Time Will Tell'.
Due to be released this summer.

What happened after the release of the Angel of Sin single ? Did you make plans for a second single or a full length album, and did you record anything else in the studio ? When did the band actually broke up ?
After the single, Rekuiem parted ways with Mike Reid. With new singer Steve Mills, (formerly with N.W.O.B.H.M heroes Trespass ) gigged extensively. Several more demos were recorded and an album was planned but not released. Rekuiem broke up in 1984.

At least two members of REQUIEM stayed active in the rock/metal world after REQUIEM’s demise. I know Karl recorded a single with a more progressive rock band called CHASE before joining the reformed DIAMOND HEAD in 1990. Steve formed a band called PREDATOR.
Karl: 'Diamond Head', 'Dark Black Past' along with work as a session player in the US.
Steve: 'Predator' Extensive touring in the UK live video release and a four song demo.
Denny: 'Rough Justice' featuring Paul Tunnicliffe formerly with metal merchants 'Steel'
New vocalist Paul Parry: formerly with 'Tredagar' featuring Tony Bourge and Ray Phillips ex 'Budgie'

Are you still in touch with Mike Reid (vocals) ?
No!

Back to the present days now. I was surprised to find out a year or two ago that 3 of the original members resurrected REQUIEM with a new spelling : REKUIEM. Charlie at nwobhm.com uploaded a CD sleeve called “The black Death” depicting a rat. How did you come about to reform the legendary REQUIEM ? Could you give us some information about the tracks on this promo CD?
World-wide interest in the single and history of Rekuiem persuaded Karl, Gordon and Steve to reform.
The promo CD features demo recordings of tracks that are included on the new 'Time will Tell' album.
These include amongst others: 'Nightmare', 'Black Death' and 'Angel of Sin' and will no doubt become highly collectable in the future.

Why this new spelling? The other bands named REQUIEM were all probably founded years after the original English one (I know at least another REQUIEM, an Italian band) , and I don’t see any possible confusion as the different bands are not coming from the same country and are not playing in the same style.
We have changed the spelling for two reasons. Firstly as a symbol of the rebirth of a new and better Rekuiem. Secondly to avoid any possible confusion with the several other Requiems who have come out over the past 20 years.

Now, what are your plans for the future ?a brand new full length REQUIEM / REKUIEM album, some live shows ?
Album release by this summer. With live shows scheduled to coincide with release.
Shows are planned for USA, Europe and at home in the UK.

Are there some old REQUIEM archives material you may have that could be released also ?
There is Archive material that maybe considered for special web-site release at alater date. www.rekuiem.com

Don’t you think it could be a good idea to add the two original tracks from the 7” single on the next release, as the old single is worth a fortune now, even if you’re lucky enough to find a copy ?
The forthcoming album 'Time Will Tell' contains newly recorded versions of 'Angel of Sin' and 'Sacrificial Wanderer'.

Anything to add to end up this first REQUIEM feature in years, the last words are for you.
We're looking forward to playing live to Rekuiem/Metal fans where ever they be.
We are very pleased with the new record and hope you enjoy the new Rekuiem sound.
Best wishes from Rekuiem.

Rekuiem are: Steve Slater-Guitars. Karl Wilcox- Drums..

Gordon-Denny Bass. Paul Parry-Vocals

Interview by Kiss of Death.

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