Kick Axe

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

Kick Axe: Canadian Metal Survivors of the Sunset Strip Era

Formed in Regina, Saskatchewan in the mid-1970s, Kick Axe emerged as one of Canada's most promising heavy metal exports of the 1980s. Founded by guitarist Larry Gillstrom, bassist Victor Langen, and his brother Gary Langen on drums, the band quickly gained traction on the Prairie rock circuit. The lineup expanded in 1978 with the addition of guitarist Raymond Arthur Harvey, prompting a relocation to Vancouver, British Columbia, where the music scene offered greater opportunities.

Shortly after the move, Gary Langen was replaced by Larry’s brother Brian Gillstrom on drums, solidifying a core that would steer the band through its most prominent years. The group recorded demos as early as 1979, but determined they needed a stronger lead vocalist to break through commercially. American singer Charles McNary joined briefly and helped earn the band exposure, including an appearance on a Playboy Records compilation. However, McNary exited in 1981, and it wasn’t until 1983 that George Criston joined as frontman—ushering in the band’s golden era.

Under the guidance of Spencer Proffer, the man behind Quiet Riot’s multi-platinum Metal Health, Kick Axe signed with Pasha Records. Their debut LP, Vices (1984), delivered hard-hitting tracks like “Heavy Metal Shuffle” and “On the Road to Rock,” earning critical praise and solid airplay. They toured North America extensively, opening for metal heavyweights such as Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Scorpions, and Quiet Riot. A cassette-only bonus track, their fiery cover of Humble Pie’s “30 Days in the Hole,” was featured on the Up the Creek movie soundtrack.

Their sophomore release, Welcome to the Club (1985), showcased a more polished, melodic sound and featured guest appearances by Lee Aaron and members of Triumph. Although it charted on the Billboard 200, longtime fans were divided over its commercial leanings. That same year, Kick Axe recorded two songs—“Hunger” and “Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way”—for The Transformers: The Movie soundtrack under the pseudonym Spectre General due to licensing conflicts with their U.S. label.

In 1986, Raymond Harvey departed and was not replaced, reducing the band to a four-piece. They returned to their heavier roots with Rock the World (1986), but by then the glam metal market was oversaturated, and the album failed to gain traction. After losing their label support, Kick Axe disbanded in 1988.

In a surprising move, the band reunited in 2003 with Gary Langen returning—this time as lead vocalist, since George Criston was unavailable due to other commitments. Their comeback album, Kick Axe IV (2004), was a mature and muscular return to form that was warmly received by longtime fans. Gary departed again in 2008, with Daniel Nargang (formerly of Into Eternity) stepping in on vocals.

Today, Kick Axe continues to perform on the festival circuit, holding true to their legacy as one of Canada's most resilient and underrated heavy metal bands.
-Robert Williston

Original lineup:
George Criston: lead vocals
Larry Gillstrom: guitar, backing vocals
Raymond Arthur Harvey: guitar, backing vocals
Victor Langen: bass, backing vocals
Brian Gillstrom: drums, backing vocals

Later Members:
Gary Langen: drums (early), vocals (2003–2008)
Daniel Nargang: lead vocals (2008–present)