Persian Risk formed in Cardiff in 1979 and became one of Wales’ most recognisable contributions to the new wave of British heavy metal. Founded by guitarist Phil Campbell, the early line‑up featured Jon Deverill, Dave Bell, Nick Hughes and Razz Lemon, with the band quickly gaining attention through energetic live shows and early recordings. Their debut single “Calling for You” in 1981 helped establish their name, followed by appearances on influential compilations such as “Heavy Metal Heroes Vol. II” and Neat Records’ “60 Minute Plus”, which carried the fan‑favourite “50.000 Stallions”.
The band continued to build momentum with the 1983 single “Ridin’ High” and the 1984 EP “Too Different”, released through Zebra Records. Persian Risk also made a rare national television appearance on Channel 4’s ECT programme, performing “Women in Rock”, “Rise Up” and “Too Different”. Their growing profile led to a support slot on Motörhead’s 1984 UK tour, shortly after Campbell departed to join Motörhead full‑time. Despite these achievements, constant line‑up changes and industry setbacks slowed their progress, and the band eventually released their debut album “Rise Up” in 1986, shortly before disbanding.
Vocalist Carl Sentance later revived the name in the United States between 1992 and 1995 with a new line‑up, keeping the spirit of the band active through live work and new material. He returned to the UK and fully re‑formed Persian Risk in 2012 with an all‑new cast of musicians, releasing the album “Once a King” that same year. The band returned to the stage at events such as Hard Rock Hell and Keep It True, followed by the 2014 album “Who Am I?”, which introduced Persian Risk to a new generation of heavy metal listeners.
Across all eras, Persian Risk have remained rooted in classic heavy metal, blending themes of life, fantasy and personal struggle with a distinctly Welsh identity. Their legacy spans early NWOBHM singles, cult compilation tracks and a later‑career resurgence that extended the band’s history far beyond its original lifespan.
Discography
Singles / EPs
- “Calling for You” (1981)
- “Ridin’ High” (1983)
- “Too Different” (1984)
Albums
- “Rise Up” (1986)
- “Once a King” (2012)
- “Who Am I?” (2014)
Notable Compilation Appearances
- “Heavy Metal Heroes Vol. II” – “Calling for You”
- “60 Minute Plus Heavy Metal Compilation” – “50.000 Stallions”
- “All Hell Let Loose” – “50.000 Stallions”
- “The Neat Singles Collection Vol. Two” – “Ridin’ High”, “Hurt You”
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