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In the early 80's Tampa was known for it's Thriving Metal Scene. At the top of the Metal Food Chain was Savatage, Nasty Savage, Crimson Glory, Roxx Gang and Brat. While Brat did not receive the fame and recognition they deserved, their recordings on Parr Records, Hades Paradise and Retrospect Records have brought Brat back to life and they are now as popular as ever. Their music has been compared to Savatage, Judas Priest, Manowar and Armored Saint... (with an image like Motley Crue and Wasp.)After Brat broke up in the mid 80's, Original Brat Bass Guitarist and song writer John Urban re-recorded some of the strongest and most requested songs he wrote in Brat along with Lead Guitarists Bruce Batten (Brat, Atomik Cocktail) and Mike Sacco (Brat, Vengeance Inc.) While one must compromise in a band, Urban wanted the songs recorded as he originally envisined them when he wrote the lyrics... Darker and Heavier.The majority of the guitar work was recorded by fellow Brat Lead Guitarist Bruce Batten (also of Atomik Cocktail.) Further recruiting the talents of local veteran drummer A.J. Altieri and members of another established Tampa Metal Act Argus (Lead Guitarist/Vocalist Glenn Enriquez and the haunting and mysterious frontman aka Dee Ceist,) Urban went back to the legendary Morrisound Recording Studios and produced the tracks himself.Openning track "Criminal Mind" ws originally recorded by Brat with different lyrics written by Vocalist Rae Rossario called "Black Widow." Urban liked the music written by Mike Sacco but thought the lyrics were too close to Alice Cooper's "Black Widow" so he rewrote the lyrics. It's about a criminally insane man left for dead in an asylum by his own mother and society. Vocalist Dee Ceist sounds totally demented on this track.Second track is "Throw Away the Key" which Urban wrote with Brat. It is based on the Man in the Iron Mask legend and was always a Brat favorite live. Brian Slagel of Metal Blade Records wanted to release it on a Metal Mercinary Compilation Album. Lyrics by John Urban, music again by Mike Sacco.Third track is "Road Warrior," which originally was recorded by Brat but was also re-recorded by Atomik Cocktail on their "Metal Rages On" CD on Retrospect Records. This version was recorded first. The Lyrics were written by Urban, music by Bruce Batten.Finally, "Born Under the Northern Star" is a Medieval Holy War Anthem. Lyrics were by John Urban, and the music follows his aggressive bass line giving it an Iron Maiden feel.So if you are a fan of Old School Metal, give Urban Vault a listen.