DAMASCUS cold horizon HRR192

NWOBHM Gems Uncovered: Damascus’s ‘Cold Horizon’ (HRR 192)

Today’s entry spotlights a resurrected treasure from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era. We are looking at the 2012 archival release “Cold Horizon” by the UK band Damascus, issued by the dedicated German label High Roller Records with the catalog number HRR 192.

This release is a boon for collectors of obscure British metal. It compiles the band’s entire 1984 output into a cohesive album. Side A features tracks like “Open Your Eyes” and “Midnight Train,” which originally appeared on their rare 1984 12-inch EP. The rest of the album, including cuts like “Goodbye Harry” and “Women In Black,” consists of unreleased tracks recorded in June 1984, offering a complete picture of the band’s sound.

The music is classic, melodic NWOBHM, featuring the dual songwriting of vocalist Billy Downs and guitarist Dave Bridge. Tracks like the title song “Cold Horizon” showcase their ability to blend heavy riffs with atmospheric melody.

This specific version is a limited edition pressing on Red Vinyl, restricted to just 150 copies (out of a total run of 500). It was remastered in 2011 by Patrick W. Engel at Temple Of Disharmony to ensure the best possible sound from the original tapes. The release comes with a 4-page insert containing liner notes and photos. HRR 192 is an essential piece for anyone digging deep into the history of 80s British metal.