The Gun - The Gun [1968] (1989 Reissue)

Back to it now! Here is one of my favourite ancients (or is it ancient favourites?). This is the debut album from the annoyingly-difficult-to-research band 'The Gun', a relatively obscure group from the U.K. (not to be confused with the other currently active 'Gun' from Scotland.) This one is special to me for a few reasons. Like many others I tracked it down for it's amazing cover art - another of Roger Dean's works, this being his first ever record project if i recall. I'm sure you wouldn't be alone in mistaking it for some mid-80s thrash metal album. It sure is a little darker than his popular later works, none the less, it's one of my favourites of his cover designs.

Little did i know just how incredible the album would actually be. It's a crushingly heavy rock/proto-metal sound (ala Sabbath/Leaf Hound/Iron Butterfly) mixed with a big-time brass backing and the occasionally typical flower-power-like melody (ala moments of 'Love - Forever Changes'). Recorded at just the right time blending both of these incredible sounds, like you could only do in '68. The band's one and only hit 'Race with the Devil' opens the record like a punch in the nose and immediately you know what you're in for. Is this "the" original metal album?

A lost gem for fans of the power trio format, check it out.

Try It - Buy It..Tell Me Where?!

Strange Waves [A Psychedelicompilation] [SludgeSwamp Exclusive]

Sorry for the lack of posts (again) folks.. but i've returned with something special for you! You all should be familiar with the mighty SludgeSwamp blog? Over the years i have discovered a hell of a lot of good tunes over that way. The regular fan base is pretty incredible, and the staff are always free for a chat. It's a really rewarding blog to frequent, that's fo' sho. Anyway, i couldn't help but notice they are now taking Reader Compilations for the Fall, and thought to myself what better way to begin giving back to their community than mixing my very own.

Here I've compiled a great mix of psych, post-rock, prog and doom, and mixed them in a unique way, editing track segueing and playing around with layers etc. I think you guys will really dig the diversity and how it all flows along nicely. This is basically my soundtrack while browsing the NASA picture of the day archive: (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html) It's a really sweet place to kill some time and read up on all the incredible cosmic fuckery, while listening to the appropriate tunes of course. In turn, my cover designs were influenced by these images, hope you folks dig. Keep watching the skies! ;)

Link: http://sludgeswamp.blogspot.com/2009/09/freak-out.html
Alternative: http://sharebee.com/a2f6038d

Behind the Sun - Behind the Sun [2009] [Preview]

First of all.. it's an interesting story, an unusual path of discovery for me. You see in the middle of all this blogger copyright nonsense it's nice to see some bands are still willing to turn to blogger to advertise their craft. If you regularly visit my blog you may recognize a few comments by a poster named Aaron Lieber, who i'm told has been a regular visitor here for years now. One afternoon a few months back Aaron sent me a link to his bands myspace page and i really dug a few of their tracks. Their sound really took me back to the Alternative 90s. I heard spices of AIC and Pearl Jam mostly, but the more i listened i started hearing some amazing guitar work in the style of Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt. Hell, Kyuss even come to mind in parts on the track "Running Water".

Don't get it twisted though, these Israelis have a sound that is still very much their own. The music and lyrics speak of their personal trials and tribulations living in their own heavenly but harsh land, says their myspace. It's heavy, electric, tube driven riffing, blended with progressive styles and sensibilities and their own skeptical, cynical, but in the end positive philosophy as written word and amplified sound.

Granted i looked through every blog i could for a download link, ultimately i found nothing. Since Aaron had been a regular visitor, and generally a nice enough dude to discuss music with, i decided to buy his band's album through Amazon. I gotta say i'm very happy i did so. The album kicks ass, and the entire situation has been very rewarding.

It's with Aaron Lieber's permission of course, i give to you the first half (6 songs) of the band's debut album. To be honest i actually enjoy the second half of the album, particularly the beatiful instrumental piece "October '77". Just another reason for you to purchase this scorcher! If you are into some of the bands i mentioned.. do Aaron and Behind the Sun the ultimate favour by picking this one up from Amazon, and even turning it onto a friend you know who might enjoy it.

Consider me a fan, can't wait to see what these guys do next!

Try It - Buy It - Myspace

Graveyard - Graveyard [2008]

One listen to the self-titled debut from Sweden's Graveyard and you swear that this thing was recorded in 1971. Psychedelic, often times bluesy yet heavy guitar riffs, enchanting atmosphere, swirling drum patterns, and hazy vocals, all permeate this wildly seductive hard rock album. Think Cream, Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, The Doors, Pentagram, Grand Funk Railroad, or newer acts like Witchcraft, Gentleman's Pistols, and Danzig.

Produced by Don Ahlsterberg, who did a fantastic job of really honing in on a classic vibe here, Graveyard just drips with psychedelic menace from start to finish, and everything from the guitar riffs to the vocals is so retro 70's that you gotta love it.

The people of tomorroooow, are the children of todaaaay! Obvious, and awesome.

Link: http://sharebee.com/4fe96e8c

Ancestors - Neptune With Fire [2008]

What better way to rattle off some Tee Pee with Ancestors' debut album 'Neptune With Fire'. These guys came out of nowhere and eventually started making noise after signing with the label. However it seems it wasn't until they started gigging with the heavyweight label-mates (Earthless, Witch etc.) that they suddenly exploded. Take the magic of that delicious 70's spacey psyche sound, throw in some mammoth 90's stoner/doom riffage, ala Kyuss. Add in some Gilmour solo work (circa 'Atom Heart Mother') and wrap it all up with some superb modern day production.

The album consists of just two songs-- "Orcus' Avarice" is over 16 minutes, the title track is more than 20-- and both serve as launching pads for extended jams. It's the kind of lumbering meganess that easily turns on a dime. So by the time the drums have reeled in, and the guitars ascend into outer-space, it's hard to recall the tumult that came only moments before. Ancestors, able to do more than whip up a simple fervor, spend just enough time inspecting the same guitar scale and a slippery blues bassline that gradually builds to climax.

Their debut LP, Neptune With Fire — a conceptual, two track record with a title track that tells of a metaphorical character and his cosmic, psychological ordeal through war, celebration, remorse and revelation — was released in August 2008. Artwork for the record was delivered by psychedelic visionary Arik Roper, the artist behind such record covers as Sleep's Dopesmoker, and Earth's The Bee Made Honey in the Lion's Skull.

Can't wait to see what these guys do next.

Link: http://sharebee.com/5ac39e20

Armaggedon - Armaggedon [1970]

First things first, the spelling is correct. Do not get these guys mixed up with the similarly named 'Armageddon' band who came later on in the decade, which by the way is another excellent record featuring members of Captain Beyond, The Yardbirds and Colosseum. Back on topic of these Germans though.

Why didn't this group record more than just one album? Their self-titled album is a heavy progressive masterpiece with excellent, Hendrix-influenced guitar work and vocals by Frank Diez. Armageddon was the start of his long and impressive career. Their album had six tracks, and two of them were cover versions. Most impressive was the 10 minute version of Jeff Beck Group's "Rice Pudding". This track had some of the greatest heavy guitar riffing to appear on a German record.

Armaggedon's album has rocketed in price during recent years, due to the ever increasing interest. However, demand for the group was poor way back in 1970, and they soon broke up. Diez never played material with a similar energy again, his next step was to join the 'slightly-above-average' jazz-rockers Emergency.

With these six tunes, Armaggedon can cement themselves into your mind. The band as a whole is a unique voice that can raise eyebrows with ease, but has gone almost entirely unnoticed in the hard rock realm…unfortunately.

Link: http://sharebee.com/8f8ecc42

Clear Blue Sky - Clear Blue Sky [1970]

The debut album from Clear Blue Sky was released at a time when the rock world was undergoing a number of radical changes. The psychedelic era was coming to a close with progressive rock taking over the mantle of rocks' leading genre. However, not all bands followed the modus operandi of progressive rock bands, using classical music and jazz music as the platform for their musical trip. Some bands, most notably those within the hard rock genre, used a form of heavy blues as their launching pad.

Clear Blue Sky were just one of these bands that have a most definite blues influence. However, their ability to introduce a number of variations within their musical structure such as subtle classical influences as well as a degree of complexity that went beyond the average band enabled their music to be appreciated by a wider range of audiences.

Highly recommended stuff. Dig that Roger Dean cover, dude.

Link: http://sharebee.com/7e5c30cd

Atlantis Philharmonic - Atlantis Philharmonic [1974]

This USA duo was formed in Cleveland during the early mid 70’s by Royce Gibson on drums and the multi instrumentalist Joe DiFazio on everything else.Their style is mostly the blending of Symphonic influences like Camel, ELP etc. with some fusion and a bit of hard rocky Moody Blues in moments. Their first and only LP is the 1974 self titled album released by the label “Deutsche Harmonia Mundi”.

The eclectic sound of this album has very characteristic features like the excellent vocals close to a blend of Psyche and Pop plus a hard edged guitar that reminds of Early ELP or The Nice. In tracks like "Friends" we can hear some heavy rock influence similar to Uriah Heep or Deep Purple, and "Atlantis" sounding more like the stuff Atomic Rooster was putting out. There is also some atmospheric touches like in the incredible "Woodsman" that also blends some Jazzy leanings.

This super rare, eclectic album with a clear classical orientation (As their name clearly suggests) is considered one of the earliest examples of USA Progressive rock. You won't be dissapointed.

Link: http://sharebee.com/c6ebbcdd

Ardo Dombec - Ardo Dombec [1971]

Anyone who picked up the "Heavy Christmas" compilation last week might recognise this fantastic Bluesy/Jazz Prog German group. Unfortunetly enough not much is known about them. Their arrangements are upbeat and bright, yet the lyrics are rather dark and cynical in contrast. They differ from other folk-blues-fusion-hard rock bands of the same era by the presence of the saxophone arrangements which remain pretty structured, sometimes sounding like Out of Focus or even the Dutch fusion band Solution.

The drums and bass are often very fast, rhythmic and complex, flirting with fusion elements. Many flute parts a la Jethro Tull add some interesting variety; the track with the very pleasant visceral harmonica exhibition also shows how versatile the members can be. The music is quite addictive, disciplined and structured.

A welcomed German oddity!

Link: http://sharebee.com/f2ee4169

Octopus - The Boat of Thoughts [1976]

Who likes Camel in nyar?

First of all, don't get confused. There are a bunch of shitty metal bands with the same name. These Germans however, are amazing. The mellotron and guitar work on this album is fantastic, and even sounds incredibly similar to Camel at times. Lead vocalist Jennifer Hensel does have a rather gruff alto voice that won’t be to all tastes, but it does suit the music very well. For comparisons sake, imagine a cross between Janis Joplin (without the grit) and Jennie Hahn from Babe Ruth.

Consider this a warning: if you don't "do" female vocals you might want to look elsewhere. If however, you "do" high energy prog with a mean hard rock edge, look no further! The instrumental passages are the high points here, and believe you me, they are oh so tasty!

Link: http://sharebee.com/51b23903

Yonin Bayashi - Isshoku Sokuhatsu [1974]

I'm going away for a few nights so i thought i'd leave you with this brilliant, semi-obscure, Japanese prog gem. The dudes were only 20 years old apon recording this and while they would go on to be huge in Japan, they never really seen the light of day elsewhere. Although they had developed their own fantastic sound, you can definitely notice the influence from some of the bigger British bands at the time. It's hard to name similarities but i would probably throw Camel, Nektar and maybe even a little Floyd into the mix. There is also some fantastic hard rock moments ala Captain Beyond, which really sound great.

Highly recommended if you can deal with the Japanese vocals, amazing stuff this!

Link: http://sharebee.com/ee4971e1

UFO - UFO1 [1970]

When people think of these British rock superstars they tend to forget the incredibly underrated original lineup, and focus on the Schenker years. Rather than the straight-up hard rock that would bring the band fame later on, this early face of the band had a really cool psychedelic, heavy blues rock sound. Phil Mogg has one of the best rock voices ever in my opinion, and Bolton was no slouch on the axe.

UFO's first two albums are easily two of my favourite hard rock albums of all time, with the second record ("Flying") even unleashing the full on lunacy of all things space rock! If only we got a few more records from this lineup.

Link: http://sharebee.com/a2dbc49b
Alternative Link: Rapidshare

Spiritual Beggars - Another Way To Shine [1996]

Spiritual Beggars was formed in 1994 by Michael Amott, the band was started as a side project after Michael left the British death metal band Carcass (He is also the founder and full time member of the melodic death metal band Arch Enemy.) What we have here is some great stoner rock from the ever fruitful Sweden. Everything you are looking for in a good typical album of the genre is here, slow sludgy riffs, solid drumming, dark lyrics and a rad vocalist. For those who don't know, Per Wiberg (currently with Opeth) is also the man on keys for Spiritual Beggars.

If hard stoner rock is your thing this won't disappoint.

Link: http://sharebee.com/a4ec2689
Alternative Link: Rapidshare

Wishbone Ash - First Light [1970]

When it comes down to it, Wishbone Ash is really 'the' band for me. 'The' band being the one that opened my ears to all of the stuff i listen to today. 'The' band that interested me in wanting to hear more and more, and collect more and more. But most notably Wishbone Ash is to me, 'the' band that epitomized the blending of blues based heavy rock with the common elements found in Progressive Rock.

"First Light" is what very well could of been WA's debut album. The recording was made with only one purpose in mind, to get a record deal. But as the band signed with MCA Records (with the support of Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple fame) they decided to re-record most of them. While perhaps less polished than the first MCA recordings, one can hear the experimentation here that led to that later work. The sound quality is suprisingly good, with a certain raw energy that gives the music a very fresh sound. The album as a whole represents the band in their first stages of their creation.

In 2007 this seemingly forgotten Wishbone demo was discovered and released. It is an excellent little gem for Wishbone fans, and i would probably even recommend it as a starting place for newcomers.

Link: http://sharebee.com/3b85d986
Alternative Link: RAPIDSHARE

Possessed - Exploration [1971]

This fantastic record was actually one of the first true early 70s hard rock/early metal albums i obsessively enjoyed. There are quite a few doomy riff based tracks here that any early Sabbath fan will instantly appreciate. The vocals, to some can be kind of a let down as they are a little over the top, but i like what they add to the record. Unfortunetly enough, tragedy struck in '76 when the band's tour bus slammed into a stationary tanker, killing 3 members.

Pretty sad, these guys really deserved a bigger label...what could have been.

Link: http://sharebee.com/09b88cee
Alternative Link: Rapidshare