Chateaux

Chateaux emerged from Cheltenham, England, around 1981 as one of the more curiously titled outfits to surface during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Guitarist Tim Broughton, bassist Alec Houston, and drummer Andre Bayliss started the group, which soon signed with the fledgling Ebony Records. The label placed the track “Young Blood” on the 1982 Metal Maniaxe compilation before issuing it as a standalone single. Vocalist Steve Grimmett had joined by then, supplying the lead voice on the band’s 1983 debut album Chained and Desperate. Despite his contributions, the remaining members repeatedly described Grimmett as a mere session participant, preserving an opening for him to concentrate on labelmates Grim Reaper and the wider recognition that followed.

Only Tim Broughton remained a constant presence. For the 1984 sophomore release Firepower, bassist/vocalist Krys Mason and drummer Chris Dadson, formerly of Aragorn, replaced Houston and Bayliss. Although Grimmett possessed greater overall vocal ability, many listeners felt the revised lineup improved matters, steering the music toward a straighter, more vigorous approach than the occasionally overwrought yet promising first album. The 1985 follow-up Highly Strung, however, offered little advancement, favoring straightforward headbanging momentum over any distinctive or thoughtful qualities. Combined with modest sales and a disinclination to perform beyond the immediate area, these factors prompted the members to dissolve the band and pursue separate paths.