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Another unsung band from the very early days of metal. Before Manowar, Rhapsody of Fire, and Dream Evil sang of sorcery, knights, and dressed to create an epic, warrior-like feel to their music, these guys were doing it. I even remember reading a rock critic claiming that Brocas Helm were to blame for all the metal stereotypes. I don't know if that's true or not. But one thing is for sure, it's a shame that they're forgotten. Brocas Helm's debut Into Battle! is a slab of early, somewhat sloppily played but still epic heavy metal. The early spirit and enthusiasm for metal can be felt here, along with an uncaring, no-frills punk rock attitude.

Into Battle! is a short, fast collection of stripped down but undeniably epic metal songs led by the Mike Scalzi-esque vocals of Bobbie Wright. These songs don't try too hard, but they pull off the rebellious spirit of rock and roll in a then new sound. Wright also took guitar duties, with a crunchy lead sound that squeals when it needs to, but remains subdued to support the songs' greater themes. The music is loose, gruff, and underproduced. But it's not a problem. It's not as if Brocas Helm were attempting to create grandiose beauty with their music, as they explicitly state on the album, they're "just here to rock and roll."

Into Battle! is a collection of early metal songs with a rough edge to them. The album is simple and forthright, and doesn't struggle at all to get its point across. A rare gem, but the inevitable pride of any collection.