Before the Dawn

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Before the Dawn" by April Wine from their 1979 album Harder...Faster, a track that’s a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks. This song, written and sung by guitarist Brian Greenway, stands out as a powerful ballad with a metallic edge, showcasing Greenway’s knack for blending melodic heaviness with emotional depth. In a retrospective by Defenders of the Faith, Greenway’s contribution is called April Wine’s “secret weapon,” with “Before the Dawn” praised as one of the finest ballads in metal history, its guitars echoing the emerging NWOBHM sound. Fans on Reddit have shared their love for its passionate vocal delivery and dynamic soft-to-heavy shifts, often citing it as a highlight of live performances. Greenway himself has noted in interviews on the band’s official site that the song remains a crowd-pleaser, with its guitar solo being one of his proudest moments.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s lyrical inspiration. The lyrics reference “Lori, Laura, Lori, Lorelei,” which some fans speculate on platforms like Genius could be a nod to a personal story or a poetic device for a lost love. The song’s narrative of heartbreak and longing, paired with its epic instrumentation, has led to comparisons with Judas Priest’s “Before the Dawn” from the same year, though Greenway’s version leans heavier. On YouTube, fans comment on the official music video, uploaded by Unidisc, marveling at how the band’s raw energy in 1979 still resonates. The track’s inclusion on the Harder...Faster album, which stayed on Billboard’s 200 Album charts for 40 weeks, underscores its role in cementing April Wine’s reputation during their peak.

April Wine began in 1969 in Nova Scotia, Canada, when brothers David and Ritchie Henman, their cousin Jim Henman, and Myles Goodwyn came together to form a band. They chose the name “April Wine” simply because it sounded catchy. By 1970, they relocated to Montreal and recorded their self-titled debut for Aquarius Records. The single “Fast Train” gained traction, earning them enough buzz to produce a second album. Goodwyn emerged as the band’s creative force, but early lineup changes, like Jim Henman’s departure in 1971, brought in new members such as Jim Clench. The addition of Jerry Mercer and Gary Moffet in 1973 tightened their sound, leading to fan-favorite albums like Electric Jewels. Their relentless touring with acts like Rush and Styx in the U.S. built a loyal fanbase, and by the time Harder...Faster dropped, they were a Canadian rock staple with growing international appeal.

April Wine’s journey wasn’t without challenges. The band faced a tough Quebec music scene in the early ’70s, where political tensions made it hard to break through, as noted by fans on Amazon reviews of their reissued albums. Yet, their persistence paid off, with hits like “I Like to Rock” and “Just Between You and Me” earning them multi-platinum status. After a breakup in 1986, Goodwyn and Greenway pursued solo projects, but fan demand brought them back in 1992. Today, the band, now led by Marc Parent after Goodwyn’s passing in 2023, continues to tour, as detailed on their official bio. Their legacy is celebrated by fans on platforms like the April Wine Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks might find kindred spirits sharing old concert stories.

Stay connected with April Wine through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they post tour updates and throwback photos. The official website offers a deep dive into their history and discography, while fan-driven spaces like AllMusic and the April Wine Fans Facebook Group keep the community alive with discussions and rare memorabilia. For Zoo Freaks craving more, checking out Heavy Harmonies provides detailed discography insights, perfect for diving deeper into the Harder...Faster era.