Back in the early 80’s, London’s East-End proved to be a feeding ground for high calibre NWOBHM, with Iron Maiden and Angelwitch as its all-time class-acts. Additionally, there’s been a whole string of bands (Chariot, Elixir, Deep Machine etc...) that did not equal the flush of fame of the aforementioned, but -over the years - got highly regarded by collectors and NWOBHM enthusiasts. Same applies to DRAGONFLY, whose ‘81 ”Dragonfly E.P.” (review L&L II) has rocketed itself to the top shelf of NWOBHM collectibles, and not only for its limited press (500 copies). For that time, the E.P. displayed a concept, high up in originality and speed, engaging accelerated NWOBHM and blends of Doom, alongside the more genuine approach (which was given the Dragonfly-swing anyways). Prior to the E.P. Dragonfly forked out a number of songs, their first being a set coupling “High Talk” and “Loser”. Follow-up recording sessions included “Mercy” (which would show up on the E.P.), “No, No, No” and “Reasons”, followed by “Dragonfly”, and a different / early version of “Silent Nights”. Finally, Dragonfly taped “Stop Your Fooling” which actually was a one-off occasion, as a direct result of major-label interest, aiming at a more-commercially-laden, Lizzy inspired approach. As for “No, No, No”; this is another tune in the tradition of tracks such as “Silent Nights” and “Disappear From View”. This driven, NWOBHM speedster even goes beyond the acceleration modes and energy of the aforementioned, adopting thick, coordinated riff - bass layers and heavy staccato guitars, nicely contrasting with the melodic vocalage of Rudi Riviere. “High Talk” is played in liking with the EP’s slow-burner “Spacebound”. A most original commodity this is, gelling the likes of Black Sabbath with Thin Lizzy! This, by incorporating largely contrasting features that, most surprisingly, work very well as a package, Dragonfly style. This one starts off in a true Sabbath-esque fashion, engaging a slow-motioned tempo and deep, dreary riffs, until the vocals are added over semi-acoustic guitar layers. It is there and then that the song makes comparisons to Lizzy’s “Still In Love With You” arise. The song furthers with those downtuned, chunky Doom hooks alternating HardRock-style twin melodies, Gary Moore-ish vocals and a set of solo-sections in the Lizzy / Moore styles. Most original to say the least, and yet another test of just how capable this band was.....

Vinyl Reviews Issue #2.

DRAGONFLY - 7" EP UK ´80

"THE DRAGONFLY EP"

Label: private

Songs: Silent Nights / Mercy / Spacebound / Disappear From View

One of the top-rank rarities in NWOBHM rarities is Dragonfly´s selftitled 4-track EP, and not without reason, as it is a true find. Dragonfly are genuine NWOBHM; nonetheless they have a style that is very much their own with the occasional blends of Doom as the most unique factor. Additionally, there´s a lot of creative steam in the instrumental department, the guitar in particularly. This is best captured on the offbeat, mid-paced "Mercy" that assumingly starts off as a generic NWOBHM number, but gets into the diversity mode after the first vocal lines, as it develops into an instrumental affair, respectively going through a guitar solo, harmonized phrasing, another solo, a Doom chop, and multiple breaks, leaving only but a scant 1.00 minute of vocal phrasing over a total of 3:25 minutes running time. "Silent Nights" spins off with a mild Doom flavoured guitar, and continues as an early NWOBHM Speedster with a melodic sidekick (vocals) and no less than 3 solo sections! A song that is sure to please those that dig speed-driven UK Metal in the styles of Trident ("Destiny") and Salem ("Reach For Eternity"). "Spacebound" is sort of a Rock ballad with semi Doom-flavoured slug riffage and Fusion! Hooks in the accompaniment of the guitar solo! The disc concludes with "Disappear From View"; another NWOBHM speedster, patterned upon an agile mobility riff. Sensational.

Demo Reviews Issue #3.

Vinyl Reviews Issue #2.

DRAGONFLY - 7" EP UK ´80

"THE DRAGONFLY EP"