Black Out at IJsselhal, Zwolle, The Netherlands – 14th of September 1984.
At our editors office of “Zwaartekracht” we received unexpected an invitation for a record release party from the at Zwolle based Heavy Metal band Black Out. They had recorded and finalised their debut album 'Evil Game' at the Wisseloord Studios under the productional supervision of producer Ton van den Bremer, who was also known for his work with Picture. The second achievement was that the band got a record deal with Roadrunner, a leading Dutch Metal & Hard Rock label that brought out many releases on a license basis but actually invested a little or almost nothing in local bands. Our curiosity was aroused and so we went on to Zwolle. To check things out….. Immediately after arriving in the IJsselhal, we (Donald Wever and I) were referred to the backstage area where a nice party was going on. After talking to some acquaintances, a party band with some attractive ladies started playing on the stage in the upper room of the hall. Their festive intermezzo ended quickly and it was now Black Out's turn. The band played a home game and played furiously many songs from their upcoming album. Their style of Heavy Metal showed an seamless connection with the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). And the influences of Maiden, Saxon and Motorhead were remarkable and left clearly their mark on the album. Despite Roadrunner's investment in production, promotion and also into an impressive album cover created by the legendary Dutch tattoo artist Henk 'Hanky Panky' Schiffmacher, the release of “Evil Game” did not go down well in the media. The reviews fluctuated and sometimes didn't work in favour of the band. After a lack of success, Roadrunner terminates their contract and the band takes it to the streets again and continues. Black Out never got the recognition they deserved, but their music has certainly stood the test of time. Still today “Evil Game” is a well sought gem among record collectors worldwide. Finally… justice after all.
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