Avenger (British band)

History

Avenger was formed in late 1982 by Brian Ross, Mick Moore, and Gary Young, following the breakup of Ross and Moore’s earlier band, Blitzkrieg. The trio started recording demos. Their first release was the track "Hot 'n' Heavy Express," which appeared on a Neat Records compilation EP. After adding guitarist John Brownless, they put out their debut single, "Too Wild to Tame," in October 1983. Not long after, Ross left to join Satan, and Satan’s singer, Ian Swift, took over vocals for Avenger. With the addition of guitarist Les Cheetham, the band released their first album, Blood Sports, in 1984. This kicked off a period of regular touring across western Europe, then a hotspot for the developing metal scene. A second album, Killer Elite, came out soon after on Neat, accompanied by a three-track video. In 1986, the group toured the United States, with Greg Reiter replacing Les Cheetham and Darren Kurland handling drums. After four months, they returned to England and disbanded, citing poor label support that kept them from capitalizing on their US momentum. Swift went on to join Atomkraft, and Young later joined Blitzkrieg. Sanctuary Records released the band’s complete discography in 2002, and Brazilian label Frontline Rock reissued both albums in Latin America the following year. In February 2005, the core trio of Young, Swift, and Moore reunited, bringing in northeast session musician Liam Thompson (formerly of Death in Blood) and guitarist Glenn Howes (ex-Blitzkrieg, Tygers of Pan Tang, Earthrod, Fist). This lineup toured the UK and Europe with US band Y&T and others. The lineup shifted again in 2007 when original bassist Mick Moore departed. The new configuration featured Swift, Young, Thompson, guitarist Sean Jefferies (ex-Fallen Skies, Earthrod), and bassist Huw Holding (ex-Order of the Black Sun, Nord, Cardinal Synne). That year, they toured or shared bills with acts like Twisted Sister, Candlemass, Saxon, Rage, Raven, Sinner, Grim Reaper, UFO, Cradle of Filth, Skyclad, and Diamond Head. Their most recent album, The Slaughter Never Stops, came out on 1 December 2014 to positive reviews. On 5 December 2024, Mick Moore died at age 65 from pneumonia, following a hospital stay for several health issues.