The enigma that'surrounds Pagan Altar has been an ongoing saga for some 20 years. How was it possible for a band that has now been acknowledged and recognized as an innovative example of the heavy rock/metal scene of the time, is inexplicably ignored in 1980-86. It is one of the great'st injustices in the history of our favourite music that PAGAN ALTAR is not a huge name, like several of their NWOBHM contemporaries. It is really inexplicable and unforgivable, because we are talking for THE BEST NWoBHM band, and one of the best ever in the history of heavy metal. Pagan Altar was an extremely good live band, bringing theatre, atmosphere, power and a presence that was at times awesome. The use of a high draped Altar topped with a large inverted cross, skulls, black candles etc, overlooked by the Sorcerers head and flanked by Marshall stacks made an imposing back drop. The cloak clad figures emerging from the mist to the accompaniment of a Gregorian chant was pure theatre and what a great way to get on stage! Pagan Altar music combines 70's heavy rock, early metal, NWOBHM, Doom, folk and some prog, something like a mix of Angel Witch, Black Widow, Pentagram and Black Sabbath but very personal at the end! At last, one of the all-time great'st HEAVY- DOOM bands that not many know about, the U.K's Pagan Altar. "Come to the Altar"!
