Early Toronto outfit Banshee lasted only long enough to release a single, but this ‘83 entry is a monster– pure, tough traditional heavy metal that took the usual Maiden/Priest template and created something truly fresh, combining the topside’s speedy, energetic assault with the taut, surging power of the flip. Frontman Jamie Lee Saint possesses a commanding voice, soaring above the storm, and the package is an obvious grip for any fan of true old school metal. Limited press on white vinyl with new insert. (UGR-008/UXB-007)Our take: Canadian label Urbain Grandier reissues this scorching slice of Canadian metal history. Released in 1983 and collectible ever since, the original pressing of “Breakdown” will run you a couple hundred bucks, and this reissue presents the original track listing and layout with an additional insert and liner notes. While “Breakdown” is from Canada in 1983, the a-side sounds like the UK circa 1979, and you could slot it into any comp of vintage NWBOHM pounders and no one would bat an eye… it just has that sound, and if you’re a fan of early Def Leppard, Diamond Head, Blitzkrieg, and the like, you’re gonna like it. The b-side is cool too, but rather than the upbeat NWOBHM of the a-side, it sounds more indebted to Rainbow. A hot single, and I’m sure metalheads the world over are stoked to have an accessible, well-done official reissue.
