In 2007 the four piece, Mick Percy (guitar), Paul AT Kinson (ex Jess Cox/Skyclad/Bob Dee-USA) and the two founding members, Brian Smith (bass), and Dave King (vocal) (not the Fastaway vocalist Dave King) shot a video to the track Chopper Attack. Due to financial limitations, touring and performing live gigs simultaneously was impossible. The third album was originally going to be called Metal Edge, but they were not able to secure interest from a record label, and the band began to lose interest. Plans were made to record a third album, and they went into the studio to record the demos that would become the Nightmare Zone EP. From 1995-1998, the band hired another guitarist for a short while and did a one-off show to a small audience at Klenal Hall Biker's Festival. However, Battleaxe was added to a compilation album with Metallica, Manowar, and other major bands. Metallica, who had recently appearing on the metal scene, wanted to tour the UK and Europe with Battleaxe but changed their minds because of politics. However, this new lineup lasted only a short time as it became hard for Battleaxe to tour. With this lineup, their sound had strengthened, becoming more powerful and adding versatility that was not possible with one guitarist.

During this period of instability, the band met drummer Paul AT Kinson from Newcastle, who filled in now and then but didn't officially join the band until a later date. John Stormont contributed a lead break performance on the track 'Killer Woman.' John left the band and there was a rotating door of musicians until 1987 when they recruited Jason Holt on guitar and Stew Curtan on drums (after Ian McCormack retired). Soon after, they went into Neat Records studio to record the tracks 'Radio Thunder,' 'Girl Crazee,' and 'Killer Woman.' These tracks were added to their 1987 EP, Nightmare Zone. Their lead and rhythm guitar combination gave band's performances a fuller sound live as well as in the studio. The new lineup included Mick Percy and John Stormont. They finished the tour at the Dominion theatre in London. They toured the UK in support of Madam X, who had to pull out of the tour due to an illness, leaving Battleaxe to headline. This was a severe blow to their career and put the band on hold until they could regain their footing. It took almost two years before a new lineup was found that was somewhere near the quality and spirit to what they had. However, Steve Hardy unexpectedly quit, and they had to pull out of what could have been a major signing. After the show, they wanted the band to organize a showcase for them.

On the eve of a major appearance at Hammersmith Odeon London in support of Saxon on their Crusader tour, some A&R staff from Atlantic Records were showing interest. They were included in a nationwide tour supporting Saxon, and invited to a Leeds Queens Hall Festival with Twisted Sister, Girlschool, Anvil, Spyder and Plus. Battleaxe continued on with the same lineup to complete a BBC Radio One Session on the Tommy Vance Friday Rock show. Listeners stated that this album showed a more refined and mature sound, and the album was voted as having one of the best heavy metal openers of the time with the song 'Chopper Attack'. However, when Power from the Universe was released on both the Roadrunner and Music for Nations labels, the band suddenly found themselves garnering unexpected fame. Ian McCormack, Satan's ex-drummer, was asked to fill the drum position until Thomson had recovered. During this time, the band's momentum was still growing as they were signed by Roadrunner Records and contracted to complete a second album by the end of the year. Thompson's injuries were extensive and required a long time to heal. Changing of 'Ians' Ī short time after finishing the recordings of the album Burn This Town at Guardian studios County Durham, Ian Thompson was badly injured with a skull fracture when attacked by someone with an iron bar. The band began developing a reputation in the region as a solid heavy metal outfit.

The graphic looked amateurish, and the band worried what it might do to their reputation. The original Burn this Town cover artwork is one of the most talked-about album covers in heavy metal history. However, when Roadrunner received the proof artwork for approval, they went ahead and pressed 2000 units for a worldwide release without the band's consent. He then produced the first Burn this Town cover artwork as it is now, but only as a rough proof drawing, and stated that if it were approved by the record company, he would redraw the whole thing again to a much higher standard. The record company asked the band for some concept ideas for the cover artwork, so the band asked a friend and local artist Arthur Ball if he could come up with anything. Once a deal had been struck with Roadrunner Records, the master tapes were sent to Roadrunner Records and the album title Burn this Town was agreed upon.

Battle axe guitar