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Nitro (band)

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Nitro
OriginHollywood, California, USA
Genres
Years active
  • 1987–1993
  • 2016–present
Labels
MembersJim Gillette
Michael Angelo Batio
Chris Adler
Past membersT. J. Racer
Bobby Rock
K. C. Comet
Ralph Carter
Johnny Thunder

Nitro is an American heavy metal band from Hollywood, California. The group was formed in 1987 by vocalist Jim Gillette, guitarist Michael Angelo Batio, bassist T. J. Racer and drummer Bobby Rock. This lineup recorded the band's debut album O.F.R., which was released by Rampage Records, a sub-division of Rhino Entertainment, in 1989. Rock was later replaced by K. C. Comet (and subsequently Johnny Thunder), while Racer was replaced by Ralph Carter. Nitro released a second album, Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S., in 1991, before breaking up two years later.

Following the band's breakup, a number of demo recordings were released on the M.A.C.E. Music compilation Gunnin' for Glory, which also featured songs by Batio's solo band. In November 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio had reformed Nitro along with drummer Chris Adler. The reunited band is set to record its third album with producer Josh Wilbur in December, with a spring 2017 release anticipated.

History

1987–1991: Formation and debut album

In 1987, Jim Gillette released his first solo album Proud to Be Loud, which featured contributions from guitarist Michael Angelo Batio and bassist T. J. Racer.[1] Gillette, Batio and Racer, along with drummer Bobby Rock of Vinnie Vincent Invasion, subsequently formed Nitro following the release of the album.[2][3] Speaking about joining the band, Rock has recalled that Gillette and Batio recruited him by explaining that they "wanted to record the most over-the-top, in-your-face metal record ever".[4]

Nitro signed with Rampage Records, a sub-label of Rhino Entertainment, after its first show, during which Gillette reportedly smashed three wine glasses using only his voice.[3] The band recorded its debut album O.F.R. at Front Page Productions in Costa Mesa, California with producer Charlie Watts,[5] and released it in 1989.[2] Rock left the band shortly after completion of the record, to be replaced by K. C. Comet for the subsequent promotional concert tour.[2] Comet also featured in the music videos for O.F.R. tracks "Freight Train" and "Long Way from Home".[3]

1991–1993: Second album and breakup

Upon the conclusion of the promotional tour for O.F.R., both Racer and Comet left Nitro and were replaced by Ralph Carter and Johnny Thunder, respectively.[2][3] The new lineup recorded the follow-up to O.F.R., titled Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S., which was released later in the year and featured a cover version of Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever".[3] The band broke up in 1993.[2][3]

Following the dissolution of the band, Angelo's record label M.A.C.E. Music released a compilation of early Nitro demos entitled Gunnin' for Glory in 1999.[2][6] When asked about the possibility of a Nitro reunion in 2008, Gillette responded that it would be "great to do", but that it would take some time to regain his vocal ability to the standard he desired.[3]

2016–present: Return with Chris Adler

On 30 November 2016, it was announced that Gillette and Batio had reformed Nitro with Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler.[7] The band is set to begin recording a new album in December with producer Josh Wilbur, with a spring 2017 release planned.[7]

Critical response

Media response to Nitro focused mainly on Gillette and Batio's vocal and guitar abilities, respectively. Music website Noisecreep named Gillette in its "Top 10 High-Pitch Metal Singers" feature, noting that while his image drew criticism from the press, his vocal style was "nothing to laugh at".[8] Luxury Travel Magazine went as far as describing Gillette as "one of the most influential rock/metal vocalists of all time".[9]

Discography

Studio albums
Compilations

Band members

References

  1. ^ "Ex-Nitro Bassist T.J. Racer - New Video Interview Available". Bravewords.com. August 30, 2010. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Ankeny, Jason. "Nitro Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Singer Jim Gillette Doesn't Rule Out Nitro Reunion". July 16, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  4. ^ "Bobby Rock, Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Nelson, Nitro, OFR". Full in Bloom Music. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  5. ^ O.F.R. (Media notes). Nitro. Rampage Records. 1989.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ "Nitro "Gunnin' for Glory"". M.A.C.E. Music. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  7. ^ a b "Lamb Of God's Chris Adler Joins Michael Angelo Batio, Jim Gillette In Reunited Nitro". Blabbermouth.net. 30 November 2016.
  8. ^ Ramirez, Carlos. "Top 10 High-Pitch Metal Singers". Noisecreep. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  9. ^ "From Rock Star to Yacht Club Developer: Jim Gillette and The North Caicos Yacht Club". Luxury Travel Magazine. July 2, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2015. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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