Lionheart, Chasing Dreams + Bonus, LP

Lionheart, the English skinhead rock band from Rochdale, released their first demo tape in 1988, followed by several releases on Rebelles Européens in 1989–90 (2 albums, 2 singles), until their third and (penultimate) album, “Chasing Dreams,” was released in 1990 on Herbert Egoldt's Cologne-based label Rock-O-Rama Records.

Rochdale, that rugged industrial town located northeast of Manchester, was the obvious home for skinhead rock—and that's exactly why Lionheart fits so perfectly with their hometown. Brick buildings, drizzle, abandoned factories, a gritty industrial vibe, open pubs: the band's sound embodies every one of these elements. It's all carried by a singer whose voice makes all the difference—raw, self-assured, with just the right mix of grit and heart. In the patriotic music scene, which was still predominantly male-dominated back then, she stood at the microphone and left no doubt as to who was calling the shots here.

Lionheart seized the opportunities that came their way without compromise and recorded their third studio album for Rock-O-Rama Records in April 1990. At the height of the European RAC/Oi! scene, Herbert Egoldt, through Rock-O-Rama Records, had an unerring instinct for bands that had something unique to say outside the mainstream. The fact that this English band, of all groups, recorded their penultimate album not—as before—on the French label Rebelles Européens, but for the label based in the Rhineland metropolis, says a lot about the reality of the scene at the time. Despite all the naysayers swirling around Herbert's release machine.

Musically, Lionheart delivers exactly what you'd expect—and a little more. Straightforward Oi!/RAC songs meet melodic metal influences. The lyrics oscillate between pride, toughness, historical events, and an almost melancholic view of the everyday life of working-class youth. Not a single song feels forced; each bears the unmistakable signature of guitarist Jon “Icky” Hickson, who, by the way, played bass for Skrewdriver between 1990 and 1993. Today, the album is a sought-after piece of vinyl history. Those who own the original treasure it—and rightly so.

Strictly limited to 499 copies, hand-numbered, digitally remastered (vinyl mastering), fully restored front and back cover design (featuring scanned original photos from the ROR archive), 13 tracks including bonus material, approx. 34 minutes running time, available exclusively on black 12-inch vinyl (tried and true, durable, best sound quality).

Get your hands on the original pressing from Rock-O-Rama Records now.