Raging Speedhorn

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Raging Speedhorn was a British metal band founded in Corby, Northamptonshire, although now the band is spread far and wide, as far as Cardiff and Stockholm, Sweden. Raging Speedhorn was formed in 1998 from the merging of the bands Soulcellar and Box. Through a 'frightening' stage presence and heavy re-working of riffs reminiscent of early Black Sabbath the band quickly established itself as a major presence within the UK's heavy metal scene.

Raging Speedhorn featured two vocalists, a style largely inspired by UK hardcore legends Hard to Swallow, who were latter vocalist, Bloody Kev's former band. The band's first single "Thumper" (produced by industrial veteran Marc Heal) was released in 2000 to significant critical acclaim. In 2001 they charted in the UK singles chart with "The Gush".

On early Raging Speedhorn recordings the music can be characterised by pounding basslines, heavily distorted riff-thick guitarwork and subject content generally (but certainly not exclusively) comprising of hedonism, drug-use, violence, antipathy for major band labels and depression.

On the album the sound finds itself moving away slightly from earlier recordings. The guitar sound is sharper, focusing more on a dischordant style rather than the Black Sabbath inspired riffs of earlier material. The album is maybe more in league with artists such as Breach and Neurosis. The vocal style of Bloody Kev is also a stark contrast to former vocalist Frank Regan, a diverse style which makes it easier to differentiate between the two vocalists.

Before The Sea Was Built was the only album the band produced with old friend Larry Hibbitt, of Hundred Reasons. It was released on September 11th, 2007 through Steamhammer, a subsidiary of SPV Records.

On March 25th 2008 it was announced the band is to split after a final tour. Their final live perfomance will be opened by Norwich metal band Eastern Death Cult in mid 2008.

[edit] Final Line up

John Loughlin - vocals Box, Murder One
Bloody Kev - vocals Hard to Swallow, 666Dead, Dead Inside, Wives of Seth, Shackle Me Not, Ray Reardon Youth, Among the Missing
Gareth Smith - guitar Soulceller, Rowdy Ramblers, Ghosts of the Terror, Leonard Lake, Ricardo Gonzalez Band, Drep De Kristne
Jay Thompson - guitar Defenestration, Bastard Arsehole, I'm Fashion, You're Victim
Dave Thompson - bass I'm Fashion, You're Victim, Marla Singer, Defenestration
Gordon Morison - drums Box, Viking Skull

Tony Loughlin left the band and was replaced by Jay Thompson (formerly of Defenestration) who also presently plays in I'm Fashion, You're Victim. Frank Regan left the bands in June 2005. Bloody Kev has now replaced Regan's vocal position. Darren Smith has also left the band, with Jay's brother Dave Thompson the new bass guitarist, who also plays with Jay in I'm Fashion, You're Victim.