Battle Torn Heroes / Women of the Night

#23 In My NWOBHM Rarities Review Series

Early on the scene NWOBHMsters Buffalo aren’t exactly as well known as bands like Satan and Savage, but they play the same badass, tough-riffed, no bullshit style. What sets these guys apart from the myriad of other no-name NWOBHM bands is that they had a substantial catalogue, and played music with balls. While most bands were pussyfooting around with 70’s soft rock/pop rock inspired, Deep Purple worship in 1980 Britain, this Accrington outfit hit the studio to record two tracks of solid, dirty NWOBHM that would kick the ass of half of the stuff that came out this year. This stuff reminds me of Savage, ‘Shock Tactics’ era Samson, and Satan. If you’re looking for ballsy NWOBHM, look no further than Buffalo. I’m not familiar with their entire catalogue, but this here little single is deserving of a spot on any shelf of top-tier NWOBHM singles.

Your title track will have listeners convinced as soon as the vocals kick in in the first verse – seriously. Great vocals especially in the chorus, and the riffs are nasty and rough. This is NWOBHM as it should be; simplistic, and dripping with attitude. The guitar solo is pretty enjoyable, and there’s a good, driving pace to the song, as well as decent recording quality to carry it through. Meanwhile, the b-side holds it’s own. This ones flavour reminds me of those early but under-appreciated NWOBHM legends Quartz in their second time. Killer riffs, and heavy pounding drums contribute heavily to this number. Two great tracks marking a very forceful debut for this great band. 1980 was a year of important debuts for NWOBHM, but with their contribution, this band assured they could hold their own against titans like Angel Witch, Iron Maiden, Venom and Tokyo Blade. NWOBHM doesn’t get too much better than this; utterly advisable material from an underappreciated act.

-DeathRiderDoom