Kick Axe

Websites:  http://www.kickaxe.net/homepage.html, https://www.facebook.com/kickaxeband/
Origin: Regina, Saskatchewan
Biography:

Kick Axe had minor success and were able to tour with some of the biggest names in the mid-eighties before disbanding. The band was able to get signed to the label that made Quiet Riot headliners, but were never able to match the same level of stardom.

Kick Axe were formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada by Larry Gillstrom (guitar), Victor Langen (vocals/bass) and his brother Gary (drums). By 1978, they added a second guitarist in Raymond Arthur Harvey and decided to relocate to Vancouver, British Columbia and its more lively music scene. Gary Langen did not move with the band and was replaced with Larry‘s brother Brian. The group began recording in 1979 but scrapped the sessions because they felt they needed a more distinguished frontman. Vocalist Charles McNary was brought in and the band started to make waves, even appearing on a Playboy compilation album.

McNary walked away from the band in 1981, and it would be almost two years before George Criston replaced him. Shortly after his inclusion, the group landed a major label deal with Spencer Proffer‘s Pascha Records. Vices was released to critical acclaim, and the band hit the road behind such acts as Quiet Riot, Judas Priest and Whitesnake. The third single from the album (appearing only on the cassette version), a cover of Humble Pie‘s 30 Days In The Hole appeared on the Up The Creek soundtrack.

The band’s follow-up strayed away from their rock anthems for a softer sound, and included a handful of guest stars. It reached the Billboard Top 200, but disappointed diehard fans. Meanwhile, the group appeared on the Transformers soundtrack under the name of Spectre General due to U.S. legal troubles. Harvey left the band in 1986, but was never replaced. One final album, a return to their roots, was released but by then all momentum had been lost. By 1988, they were without a label and then disintegrated. Surprisingly, the band reformed in 2003 with original member Gary Langen handling vocal duties for Criston who was unavailable to join the reunion due to prior work commitments. The new album entitled IV was released the following year, and the more mature effort was a hit with fans.

In 2008, Langen left the band. Kick Axe forged ahead with new lead vocalist Daniel Nargang (ex-Into The Eternity) and still continue to play sporadic tour dates and rock festivals in Canada.

Band Members:
George Criston: lead vocals
Raymond Arthur Harvey: guitar and vocals
Larry Gillstrom: guitar and vocals
Victor Langen: bass and vocals
Vice Brian Gillstrom: drums and vocals