Re-Animator

Re-Animator is a UK thrash metal band from Hull, England, active from 1987 to the present. It forms part of the British thrash metal scene and begins with a line-up built around lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Kev Ingleson, guitarist Mike “Dis-Able” Abel, bassist John Hanson and drummer Mark Mitchell.

Early releases and signing

The band records two demo tapes before issuing its six-track mini-album Deny Reality in 1989 through Under One Flag, the Music For Nations subsidiary. A previous demo cut at Animal Tracks Studios in Hull in March 1988 helps secure the deal. For the recording, the band uses session singer Tony Calvert, known for work with Welsh thrash group Tortoise Corpse.

Live work and first albums

Re-Animator tours with Exodus, Nuclear Assault and Acid Reign. Their 1990 album Condemned To Eternity strengthens their reputation.

Funk period and later line-up changes

For the third album, Laughing from 1991, the band shifts away from straight thrash and adopts a funk-influenced style. The record includes horn sections, songs referencing Laurel and Hardy, an uncredited a cappella version of Monty Python’s “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”, and a touch of reggae. By this point the line-up changes, with Ingleson and Abel replaced by singer Lee Robinson and guitarist Adam Clarke, while Grahame Dixon joins on rhythm guitar.

Final release and related activity

The final 1992 album That Was Then...This Is Now includes a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Cold Sweat”. The CD reissue of Condemned To Eternity also contains the Deny Reality mini-album.

Management and connections

Acid Reign bassist Ian helps bring the band to the attention of Under One Flag by passing on its demo. Re-Animator is managed first by Music For Nations owner Martin Hooker and then by Nuclear Assault manager Paul Loasby.

Later whereabouts of members

John Wilson later appears in ska band Badness, while Mark Mitchell goes on to play in punk band The Happy Durals and later joins a Hawkwind covers band under the name “Denbo Drumwind”.