Chateaux were a British heavy metal band that emerged during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement in the early 1980s. Known for their raw, energetic style and gothic-tinged themes, they released one single and three full-length albums through Ebony Records between 1982 and 1985. While their career was short-lived, they are remembered as cult favorites within the NWOBHM scene.

Formation and Early Years -
The band formed in the early 1980s in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. With a sound that blended the traditional heavy metal of the era with a darker, more brooding atmosphere, Chateaux quickly gained attention in the underground metal community.

Discography and Lineups -

1982: "Young Blood" (Single) :
Chateaux debuted with the single Young Blood, released in 1982 by Ebony Records. Featuring Steve Grimmett (later of Grim Reaper) on vocals, the single combined sharp riffs and powerful vocals, encapsulating the raw energy of NWOBHM.

Lineup for "Young Blood":

Steve Grimmett – Vocals (R.I.P. 2022)
Tim Broughton – Guitars
Alec Houston – Bass
Andre Bayliss – Drums

1983: "Chained and Desperate" (Debut Album) :
Chateaux’s debut full-length, Chained and Desperate, followed in 1983. This album solidified their reputation for dark, atmospheric heavy metal. Tracks like "Spirit of the Chateaux" and the title track became underground classics. Steve Grimmett’s commanding vocals, combined with intricate guitar work and haunting backing vocals, defined the album's distinctive sound.

Lineup for "Chained and Desperate":

Steve Grimmett – Vocals
Tim Broughton – Guitars
Alec Houston – Bass and backing vocals
Andre Bayliss – Drums and backing vocals

1984: "FirePower" :
FirePower, released in 1984, marked significant lineup changes. With Steve Grimmett departing, Krys Mason joined as both vocalist and bassist. This album embraced a more aggressive, riff-centric approach, reflecting the heavier direction NWOBHM was taking in the mid-1980s.

Lineup for "FirePower":

Krys Mason – Vocals and bass
Tim Broughton – Guitars
Chris Dadson – Drums

1985: "Highly Strung" :
The band's final album, Highly Strung, released in 1985, saw a continuation of the heavier, more polished style introduced on FirePower. Tracks like "Highly Strung" displayed the band's ability to blend melodic elements with powerful, driving riffs. Despite its strong material, the album would be Chateaux's swan song, as the band disbanded shortly after.

Lineup for "Highly Strung":

Krys Mason – Vocals and bass
Tim Broughton – Guitars
Chris Dadson – Drums

Legacy -
Chateaux disbanded in the late 1980s as the NWOBHM movement began to decline. However, their work remains influential among metal enthusiasts, and their albums have been reissued over the years, ensuring their contributions to the genre are not forgotten. Steve Grimmett’s later success with Grim Reaper also brought renewed attention to his early work with Chateaux.

For fans of NWOBHM, Chateaux's discography represents a fascinating exploration of the darker, more atmospheric side of the movement, blending traditional metal with gothic and melodic sensibilities. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.