Heavier! Faster! Louder! The Story of Tyneside Heavy Metal

Heavier! Faster! Louder! The Story of Tyneside Heavy Metal is a six-part audio documentary narrated by renowned hard rock DJ Alan Robson.

It features new interviews with members of Venom, Raven, Tygers of Pan Tang, Atomkraft, War Machine, Fist, Mythra and many more. These hugely influential Tyneside bands were at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and helped pave the way for the global success of titans like Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer.

The documentary has been produced by Sarah Younas, Digital Producer at North East Museums, and music writer John Tucker, author of Neat & Tidy: The Story of Neat Records.

All tracks licensed courtesy of BMG Rights Management (UK) Ltd except for 'The Power' which is used with permission from Bernadette Mooney (War Machine).

SS Giro

Tyneside's traditional heavy industries are dying. Inspired by the devil's music, kids see guitars and amps as their way out. 

Contains explicit language, discretion advised.

Music included in this episode: 

• The Power - War Machine
• Back To The Grind - White Spirit 
• SS Giro - Fist 
• Break The Chain - Raven

Rock Until You Drop

As the likes of Iron Maiden and Saxon spearhead the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, a Tyneside record label unearths new talents. 

Contains explicit language, discretion advised.

Music included in this episode: 

• The Power - War Machine
• Name, Rank And Serial Number - Fist 
• Don't Need Your Money - Raven 
• Rock Until You Drop - Raven 
• Hard Ride - Raven 

Pour The Metal In

Tyneside's heavy metal subculture begins to grow. There was plenty to keep heads banging, from Metro Radio's Hot 'N' Heavy Express, Sounds Music Paper and Kerrang! to the working men's clubs, the City Hall and Newcastle's legendary Mayfair. 

Contains explicit language, discretion advised.

Music included in this episode:

• The Power - War Machine
• Storm Warning - War Machine
• You'll Never Get Me Up (In One Of Those) - Fist
• The Inquisitor - Raven

In League With Satan

There's no-one deadlier than Venom, the cult Newcastle band that pushed the boundaries and spawned a new genre – black metal. 

Contains explicit language from the start, discretion advised.

Music included in this episode:

• The Power - War Machine 
• In Nomine Satanas - Venom
• Manitou - Venom 
• Angel Dust - Venom 
• In League With Satan - Venom 
• Welcome to Hell - Venom 

At War With Satan

Tyneside heavy metal makes a big impression across the pond but a moral panic is brewing. 

Contains explicit language and references to violence, suicide and drugs. Discretion advised.

Music included in this episode: 

• The Power - War Machine
• Live At The Inferno - Raven
• Die Hard - Venom
• Future Warriors - Atomkraft 
• Black Metal - Venom
• At War With Satan (Preview) - Venom

Don’t Need Your Money 

Neat Records meets its demise but Tyneside's heavy metal heroes won’t go quietly. 

Contains explicit language, discretion advised.

Music included in this episode: 

• The Power - War Machine 
• Deceiver - Mantas 
• Lost And Found - Fist 
• Pour The Metal In - Atomkraft