Gaskin

Gaskin are a heavy metal band from Scunthorpe, United Kingdom, associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The group forms in 1980 and remains active, with a membership that includes Stef Prokopczuk, Paul Gaskin and Dave Norman.

Style and early releases

The band is known for a harmonised melodic vocal approach that sets it apart from many of its NWOBHM contemporaries, with a more refined sound than the rougher riffing often linked to early 1980s British metal. Its debut album, End Of The World, features the opening track “Sweet Dream Maker” and the single “I’m No Fool”, and is regarded as the stronger of the two early albums.

Gaskin’s first records are End Of The World and No Way Out, both released in 1981 and 1982 respectively on Rondolet Records, with later CD editions on Pony Canyon. The band’s singles include “I’m No Fool” / “Sweet Dream Maker” and “Mony Mony” / “Queen Of Flames”.

Later activity

After a period out of view, Paul Gaskin recruits a new line-up and releases Stand Or Fall in 2000. That release coincides with an appearance at Wacken 2000. In 2005 the band appears at the H.O.A Festival in Germany.

An invitation to play a 25th anniversary show in 2006 leads Paul Gaskin to reunite with co-founder Dave Norman, and work begins on new material. The band later releases Beyond World’s End in 2009 and Edge of Madness on High Roller Records in 2012. A CD EP follows in 2012 with “The Contract”, “Man’s World” and “Bedlam”.

Discography

Albums: End Of The World (1981), No Way Out (1982), Stand Or Fall (2000), Beyond World’s End (2009), Edge of Madness (2012).

Singles and EP: “I’m No Fool” / “Sweet Dream Maker” (1981), “Mony Mony” / “Queen Of Flames” (1982), The Contract / “Man’s World” / “Bedlam” (2012).