Heavier! Faster! Louder!

Heavier! Faster! Louder! The Story of Tyneside Heavy Metal is a six-part audio documentary 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 the global success of titans like Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer.

The documentary has been produced by Sarah Younas, Digital Producer 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
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 spearhead 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
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
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 from the start, discretion advised.

Music included in this episode:
The Power - War Machine 
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
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 
Deceiver - Mantas 
Lost And Found - Fist 
Pour The Metal In - Atomkraft