A traditional Hard Rock band hailing from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, STORMWATCH released a highly commendable album and toured heavily throughout 1996. Created in 1988 by ex-WARRIOR lead vocalist Dave Hewitt, who took up a new role of bassist for the new band, ex-FREELOADER drummer Paul Rowbottom and former WARRIOR roadie Kev Potter on vocals, the original line-up also featured guitarists Dave Bayes and Andy Nicholson. The band was originally titled DAS RAAVEN, but changed titles to STORMWATCH after getting neo-nazi skinheads attending their gigs.

Bayes and Nicholson were replaced prior to recording of the 'Patriot' album, recorded and mixed over just one week in October 1995 and released by Leeds based Vinyl Tap Records, by ex-CASABLANCA guitarists Ron Reynolds and guitarist John Slater.

After much gigging Slater opted out to join MINDFEED for their October 1998 European tour, he would later join ex-IRON MAIDEN vocalist Blaze Bayley in his new act BLAZE.

Reynolds, Hewitt and Rowbottom teamed up with ex WITCHFYNDE frontman Luthar Beltz to create a new act LUTHAR BELTZ BAND in 1999. In a period of confusion when three other WITCHFYNDE members re-activated the band this act later became WYTCHFYNDE. By 2002 Hewitt was ensconced in TYRANT, the new act of erstwhile SOLSTICE guitarist Rich Walker. October of 2004 saw John Slater exiting BLAZE to forge RISE TO ADDICTION.

Garry Sharpe-Young