HOLOCAUST

Holocaust biography
HOLOCAUST was founded in 1978 in Edinburgh, Scotland by John MORTIMER, back when Heavy Metal was a new term. MORTIMER felt that a band representing this newly named genre should "have an impact like that of a nuclear bomb exploding". The original band line up consisted of MORTIMER (guitar), Gary LETTICE (vocals), Ed DUDLEY (guitar), Robin BEGG (bass) and Nicky ARKLESS (drums).

The band released it's first 12" single "Heavy Metal Mania" and it became a definitive metal anthem which ended up being featured on their first album "The Nightcomers". This was followed by a live album in 1982 called "Live-Hot Curry and Wine". With these two albums, HOLOCAUST became one of the most influential bands in what was called the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" period and the band saw their own songs being covered by METALLICA, GAMMA RAY, SIX FEET UNDER and MEAT PUPPETS.

At this point, DUDLEY left the band to form the band HOLOGRAM who released only one album. Further internal problems saw HOLOCAUST almost fall apart completely leaving MORTIMER alone to record the next album "No Man's Land" released in 1983, backed only by Steve COWEN on drums. It would be another 5 years before the next album would be released. David ROSE would join HOLOCAUST as bassist and in 1989, "The Sound of Souls" was finally released. Throughout the rest of the band's history, HOLOCAUST has managed to release 9 more albums to date, including 2019's "Elder Gods" with the current line-up consisting of John MORTIMER (guitar, vocals), Mark McGRATH (bass) and Scott WALLACE (drums).

HOLOCAUST's music should appeal to fans of WITCHFYNDE, BLITZKRIEG, TYGERS OF PAN TANG, GIRLSCHOOL, VENOM, SAXON, ARMORED SAINT, MERCYFUL FATE, JUDAS PRIEST, SAVATAGE, MOTORHEAD, ACCEPT, DIO and others.