Voltz

Hampshire, England's Voltz originated late in 1979 amid constant personnel shifts while the group performed in neighborhood pubs and cut early demos. Advancement remained minimal, leading to an actual breakup by 1981. Only the steadfast efforts of siblings Glen Leinster on vocals and guitar and Gary Leinster kept the name alive, allowing recruitment of guitarist Mark Fisher and bassist Paul Hancock for another attempt at a music career. Drawing from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal's independent approach, the four members eventually rejected the broader industry's indifference by self-financing and self-releasing their own album, Knight's Fall, much like predecessors Diamond Head and Legend. Its title notwithstanding, the record blended fantasy-themed hard rock and metal with unexpectedly ambitious yet notably subdued progressive elements. The distinctive sound earned a negative review from Kerrang! yet cultivated a modest following that soon brought gigs in London and a recording agreement with French imprint Amidisque. The label abruptly withdrew support, however, even after funding additional demos and arranging Paris performances, leaving a discouraged Voltz back in England near their starting point and competing in Battle of the Bands contests to sustain visibility. Shortly afterward, vocalist Glen Leinster entered hospital for overdue surgery on his strained vocal cords, forcing a hiatus that ended any further activity for the unfortunate band.