The origins of Fight can be traced back to 1990 when Halford, along with his Judas Priest bandmates K.K. Downing, Ian Hill, and Scott Travis, had decided to take a break from touring and recording. Halford, then, embarked on a journey to explore a different sound, which aligned with his creativity and artistic vision. Fight was formed as a result of this exploration, with Halford bringing onboard guitarists Brian Tilse and Russ Parrish, bassist Jack “Jay Jay” Brown, and drummer Scott Travis.
Their debut album, “War of Words,” was released in 1993, and it marked a departure from Halford’s work with Judas Priest in many ways. The album’s sound was more raw, edgy, and aggressive than their previous work, with a greater emphasis on guitar riffs, solos, and double-kick drumming. The lyrics were also more socially conscious and politically charged, reflecting Halford’s interest in exploring broader themes of injustice and inequality.
One of Fight’s most famous tracks, “Into The Pit,” highlights their distinctive sound and style. The song’s opening guitar riff is a frenzied, intense spiral that sets the tone for the entire album. As Halford’s vocals come in, we hear a sense of urgency and aggression that perfectly encapsulates the band’s ethos.
However, Fight’s journey was a turbulent one. The band’s second album, “Mutations,” featured a drastic shift in style, which saw them exploring electronic and industrial sounds. Despite being critically praised, the album failed to catch on with fans, i.e., it didn’t sell as well as War of Words. In addition to this, the band’s lineup went through several alterations, which resulted in Parrish, Brown, and Travis leaving the band.
The band’s third and final album, “A Small Deadly Space,” was released in 1995. This album marked a return to a more metal-oriented sound, with Halford collaborating with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt. The album featured a mix of heavy metal and industrial sounds that were ahead of its time. The album has some solid tracks such as “Small Deadly Space,” “In A World Of My Own Making,” and “Nailed To The Gun,” amongst others.
With Halford rejoining Judas Priest in 1996, Fight was disbanded, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the heavy metal scene. Fight’s legacy is an essential component of Halford’s overall creative and musical output, which has continuously evolved over the years.
Overall, Fight’s sound is an interesting contrast to Judas Priest’s work with Halford. Fight allowed Halford to explore the more aggressive and authentic elements of metal, establishing a new creative outlet for his artistry. Though the band’s journey was tumultuous, their music endures, leaving behind a testament to the power and potential of heavy metal’s rebellious spirit.