We’re a little late to this story but nice to have a Sheffield + metal connection!  In the end I figured none better to look into it than my NWOBHM pal John, who kindly did us a review which explains all:

VARIOUS ARTISTS – Steel City Rock (Skullcrusher Records) 2026

It’s not often you come across a compilation so obscure it doesn’t even feature in Malc MacMillan’s exceptionally comprehensive ‘NWOBHM Encyclopedia’, but this release seems to have bypassed even his eagle eyes (and ears) and does have a very interesting backstory. Back in the good old days of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Gaz Holmes was in a Sheffield-based band called Zayus. Once they faltered, Holmes, aware of just how difficult it was to get publicity, started ‘Skullcrusher’ fanzine, a proper kitchen table cut ’n’ paste job, which ran for 50 issues. On the back of that, just before he wound up the ’zine, he put together ‘Steel City Rock’, a cassette compilation featuring six Sheffield bands, and it’s this precious little artefact that he’s now issued on CD, on his own (you’ve guessed it) Skullcrusher Records.

It’s an extremely low-fi production (and all the better for it), and the six bands on offer all come from the far side of obscurity, all of which adds to the excitement of the compilation for me. Only Chinawite are likely to be familiar to NWOBHM aficionados as they went on to release the ‘Blood On the Streets’ 7” in 1983 and then signed to Mausoleum for their sole album, 1984’s ‘Run For Cover’. The other bands – Alyx, Black Mariah, Fallen Angel, Renegade and Storm – all appear to have fallen by the wayside, but listening to their contributions makes you realise that they all have something to contribute to the legend of the NWOBHM. ‘Steel City Rock’ is a great showcase of grass-roots NWOBHM played by people with enthusiasm and passion, and is an essential addition to any collection. Go to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589610639551 to order a copy. And bear in mind that all profits are going to musical activities to help people with early onset dementia, so it’s a win-win all round. John Tucker

Thanks John.  Keep in mind the CD has already sold out the firstt pressing so don’t dilly dally. More Sheffield bands for Nick to add to the archives!  The Skullcrusher saga will figure here shortly. Editor Gary is hunting out surviving copies (he admits even he doesn’t have a full run!) which we hope will find their way to the Sheffield Music Archives in some form anon.