STEVE Grant of Nightmare Visions, who play Blackburn on October 13, can remember the moment that heavy metal music took over his life.

"I was 12 years old, delivering newspapers and I had my radio on when the first few chords of Paranoid by Black Sabbath came on," he said.

"That was it for me. I felt as though I had been given a purpose and I started to take music seriously."

Steve is drummer with Nightmare Visions, the Darwen-based band who are to play King George's Hall on Friday, October 13.

The gig has been arranged to launch the band's fourth album, Gates of Delirium, which is released on Casket Records the following Monday Nightmare Visions are a three-piece of Steve, Andy Barnard on vocals and guitar and Reece Bevan on bass and they proud of their true heavy metal sound.

"I think we have been a bit too dark for a lot of people's tastes in the past," said Steve. "But they don't realise it is an act. Yes, our songs may be about despair or self-loathing but as people we are really happy and up-for-it individuals.

"I think we surprise people when we meet them as we do like a laugh. But you're only only on this planet for 70 years or so, so you might as well enjoy yourselves."

Steve, who is a tutor on the Access to Music course at Blackburn College, is delighted to be able to launch the band's new album with a homecoming gig.

"I have seen so many bands over the years at King George's Hall and it's always been an ambition to play there," he said.

They may only be a three-piece but Nightmare Visions have gained a reputation for their full sound.

"We've been called various things over the years," said Steve.

"But now we are venomous with a Gothic edge.

"One thing's for sure, we don't cheat on stage. We always turn in a performance.

"It's also a real bonus to get younger crowds coming to see us now as well as those who were around like we were in the '70s."

For their Blackburn gig, Nightmare Visions will be supported by Stillborn, made up of students past and present from Blackburn College.

"It's great for us to be able to give them a lift up," said Steve.

Nightmare Visions have been given airplay on specialist heavy metal radio stations around Europe and have played at major festivals.

"I know every metal band says this but in our case it's true," said Steve. "It's not about the money for us. It's the music that counts.

"The three of us are very different people but it's when you put all those different characteristics together that it really seems to work."

Nightmare Visions play King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Friday, October 13. Details from the box office on 01254 582582.