#proto prog

[spilladabalia]

Robert Wyatt - Slow Walkin' Talk (feat. Jimi Hendrix on bass)

Written by Brian Hopper. Performed by Robert Wyatt and Jimi Hendrix.

[mucdj]

(The Lot Radio)

[anamelessfool]

Don't mind me I'm having stupid sexy Nihil brain rot over here

Everybody carry on

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

HAWKLORDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PSYCHIC WARLORDS FROM ACROSS THE POND.

PIC INFO: Spotlight on original Hawklord, Dave Brock (born 20 August 1941), English musician and multi-instrumentalist, founder and sole constant member of space rock band HAWKWIND. Here he is rocking a BLUE ÖYSTER CULT tee of the band's 1972 self-titled debut album. Venue & location unknown, c. early '70s.

Sources: www.picuki.com/media/3439184885810764467 & Progrography (blog).

[weirdlookindog]

Salem Mass - Witch Burning

[metalhead-brainrot]

[Album of the day] Phantom Spell - Immortal's Requiem

Murcia, Spain // 2022 // Wizard Tower Records / Wizard Tower Recordings

[Genres] classic prog rock

[Themes] immortal wizards have problems too

[FFO] Seven Sisters, Iron Maiden, prog rock/proto metal, chiptune, classic fantasy à la David Eddings.

[Thoughts]

You may have heard of Seven Sisters, a UK-based heavy metal band from that NWOTHM revival in the late 2010s;* Kevin McNeill is the frontman, guitarist, vocalist, and occasional producer. During the depths of COVID, the band (like many) was unable to record, and Kevin McNeill started this personal project, Phantom Spell.

Immortal's Requiem is simply infectious. As prog rock goes, it's not quite interested in playing the technical game, like Rush or Emerson, Lake, and Palmer,** opting instead for a more relaxed approach to progressive (McNeill lists more of his inspirations below).

Contemporary prog rock is a strange and altogether different discussion from its founders. Prog rock founders in the 70s existed in an artistic space predating metal, often cited as the inspirations for bands in the First Wave of heavy metal.*** 70s prog rock was the heaviest music of its time, the most recent innovation from the rock scene. But contemporary prog rock (and hard rock) exists in a world where metal already exists; choosing to make contemporary prog rock isn't part of the innovation game, it's revisiting an older style. And while I spend a lot of time keeping up with the innovations and trends, I think it says more about the artist in particular when they time-travel to a particular era of the past.

Phantom Spell labors over the floor with chalk in hand, taking its time to craft the perfect summoning circle to facilitate your time-travel to an era of the past. The songs are filled with sorcerous inspiration; the dramatic fantasy sung in McNeill's powerful vocals remind me of listening to Seventh Son of a Seventh Son for the first time. "Black Spire Curse" is an instrumental chiptune track (i.e. chiptune methods to prog rock ends) that serves as an ode to another musical trend from the era, shaking hands with the fantasy-focused videogames of yesteryear.

I've pretty mush said enough at this point, but I would like to highlight that when you purchase Immortal's Requiem on Bandcamp, you get access to two hidden tracks: a cover of "Moonchild" by Rory Gallagher (i.e. the greatest guitarist you've never heard of) and an alternate release of Phantom Spell's first track, "Keep On Running" (I prefer the alternate, both are good).

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* If you haven't, go listen. The instrumentation is all solid, the music inspiring, and the album artwork great.

The band name is most likely a reference to the Pleiades, seven stars that, in ancient Greek mythos, were the (cough) companions of Artemis. The Seven Sisters are also referenced as the seventh song on The Sword's 2012 album, Apocryphon.

I somehow missed the Seven Sisters on my big heavy metal kick through the late 2010s, but I'm glad I eventually found my lighted by their stars. It can be difficult to reliably encounter heavy metal of quality; heavy metal junkies seem equally enthused by every heavy metal band, an attitude that does not adequately reflect the variance in musical talent in the genre. I won't punch down on the acts that I think are overrated here (unless you ask, and then I'll share my opinions free of charge), but I'll make an effort to promote acts that should survive the NWOTHM trend.

** Which is where I typically lean within the realms of prog rock, my synaptic pathways having been thoroughly rotted out by technical death metal.

*** To this day, Iron Maiden opens all of their concerts with their cover of UFO's "Doctor Doctor." Phenomenon (1974) has been one of my favorite albums since I was a teen, a statement that is also true for my father. For me, it was the beginning of my exploration into heavy metal; for him, it was the end.

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[From the band/label] Wizard Tower Records / Wizard Tower Recordings

Phantom Spell is the brainchild of Kyle McNeill. Frontman for London based classic metal stalwarts, Seven Sisters. Having established his command of songcraft over several albums with the UK's twin-guitar renegades, McNeill has decided to add a second string to his bow. Delving heart-first into a musical love letter to his favourite prog rock artists of yesteryear. As McNeill elaborates: "Musically, this is an area I've wanted to explore for a very long time. The classic prog records have truly captured my imagination and continue to inspire me. I hope that in some odd way, this can be seen as me trying to repay the favour to those bands for enriching my life – a tribute to the dorkiness and grandeur of prog rock!". A tribute, it may be. However, this is more than a mere copycat experiment. Those who have followed McNeill's work over the years have come to expect a certain level originality and attention to detail. This new project promises to follow in that same tradition. After releasing the single, "Keep On Running", in July 2021 to much praise, the stage is set for Phantom Spell's debut album. Through "Immortal's Requiem", Phantom Spell presents a spellbinding sonic journey. A journey in which fractured thoughts of a deteriorating clairvoyant are given form as cascading guitar harmonies and weaving mellotronic passages. Songs like "Dawn of Mind" and "Seven Sided Mirror" effortlessly navigate shifting sonic textures with purpose and unabashed curiosity. Akin to the theatrical majesty of those dear Kansas and Yes gatefolds tucked away in record collections worldwide. You would be forgiven for thinking this facade of shimmering synthesizers is a means of escapism from what we face in the real world. However, amidst the grandeur is a stark vulnerability on display. The driving electrified rhythms of "Up The Tower" clear the heady smog of spell-craft and make way for a direct message. After all, Phantom Spell was born in isolation. A child of the plague years and a necessary catharsis. As the project creator, Kyle McNeill, explains: "At the core of these songs are insecurities and emotions we'll all encounter in our time. Even if you're an immortal wizard". This sincerity makes for a compelling juxtaposition against the baroque instrumental passages and fleeting guitar work. The album's only instrumental track, "Black Spire Curse" showcases McNeill's aforementioned guitar work perfectly. Navigating complex melodies and Hackett-like dreamscape soloing with equal dexterity. Culminating in a grand cacophony of marching rhythms and hedonistic simplicity before gently easing in to the lull of an acoustic/hammond organ combination. Foreshadowing the awakening that is the slumbering beast, "Blood Becomes Sand". The dynamic peaks and troughs that give the album such life are on full display here. A quality that brings the listener back time and time again. With "Immortal's Requiem", Phantom Spell present a complete work. Rounded and satisfying enough within itself while presenting avenues of exploration for a later date. A fitting opening chapter to a new story!

[progtopiapartii]

The Human Beast - Volume One

An underrated Heavy Prog album from 1970. Great songs, great sense of humour and a great cover of an Incredible String Band track.

[harmonycorrupted]

King Crimson - 21 Century Schizoid Man (In the Court of the Crimson King, 1969)

[gonegrove]

Yes I’m still thinking of 70s au Heather/Eddie—

They’re like, in their 50s now or w/e and doing an interview and someone calls her something like “the mother of heavy metal” and she straight up hurls a brick at their face while her mouth is censored and the only audio is the bleeping, yelling and Eddie’s wild laughter

[cables-and-wires]

why are music personality quizzes always about the same two genres. if u dont like kpop or folk punk your taste in music is obscure or something ig

[spilladabalia]

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Isobel Goudie

[My Lady of the Night]

Isobel Goudie feels so good

She does not do the things that she should

She was going to the fare

Isobel Goudie

She met a stranger there

Isobel Goudie

Isobel Goudie

Isobel Goudie

She does not do the things she should

Selling time with no remission

A scaly member

With a cold emission

She raised her eyes up to the sky

She crossed her heart

And she hoped to die

Isobel Goudie

Isobel Goudie

Isobel Goudie

She does not do the things she should

She is my lady of the night

She is my lady of the night

She is my lady of the night

She does not do the things

She does not do the things

She does not do the things she should

She is my lady of the night

She is my lady of the night

She is my lady of the night

My lady of the night

My...

[Coitus Interruptus]

Belladonna, holy water

Ashes to ashes and

Dust to

Dust

Coitus interruptus

Fire to fire

And blood

To blood

[Virgin and the Hunter]

And the virgin and the hunter

They laid together in the night

Isobel Goudie

Isobel Goudie

Isobel Goudie

She does not do the things she should

Isobel, Isobel

Isobel, Isobel

Isobel Goudie

[cavedwellermusic]

Essential New Fuzz Worship: Blackwülf, New Mexican Doom Cult, Lucifers Fall and Breath

Four killer new albums not to be missed by any fans of fuzz

James looks at four new and upcoming albums that all fans of fuzz should take the time to listen to. He looks at California's Blackwülf, Sweden's New Mexican Doom Cult, Australia's Lucifers Fall Oregon's Breath. Whether you like your music on the mind altering or headbanging side, there's something here for you, so dive on in and enjoy.

[uneasylisteningradio]

Repetition February 1, 2025

listen to the show

Bay City Rollers - Saturday Night The Fall - Repetition

DJ speaks over Philip Glass - Pruit Igoe

Aus-Rotten - Tuesday May 18 1993 Bush Tetras - Out Again Rudimentary Peni - Zero Again

DJ speaks over Skullflower - Celestial Highway I

Palast Orchester & Max Raabe - Oops, I Did It Again The Brood - Taste of the Same Heavenly - I Fell in Love Last Night The Cure - A Forest Product of Reason - Active Repetition

DJ speaks over Frank Zappa - Oh No Again

Au Pairs - Repetition David Bowie - Always Crashing in the Same Car Heather The Jerk - Dü It Again Robert Calvert - It's the Same Hank Ballard & The Midnighters - Let's Go Again (Where We Went Last Night)

DJ speaks over Ray Conniff and His Orchestra - Walkin' the Bop Again

Neutrals - Hitler's in the Charts Again Fugazi - Repeater Dumptruck - Repetition Parsnip - Repeater Spread Joy - Repetition Soul-Walkers - Can I Say It Again

Operation Ivy - Here We Go Again The Slugs - I'm in Love With You Again Soft Covers - Same Place Witchknot - Repetitive Beat Blackalicious - We Did It Again (feat. Danielle Dubois) King Crimson - Indiscipline

Proletariat - Events/Repeat Highway Robbery - I'll Do It All Again Galore - Deja Vu Little Peggy March - Oh Oh, I'm Falling in Love Again

Chumbawamba - Revolution

[guerrilla-operator]

Buffalo Springfield // Broken Arrow

Did you see them in the river? They were there to wave to you Could you tell that the empty-quivered Brown-skinned Indian on the banks That were crowded and narrow Held a broken arrow?

[metalhead-brainrot]

[Album of the day] Tarot - Glimpse Of The Dawn

Tasmania, AUS || 2024 || Heavy Chains Records and Tapes

[Genres] prog rock, proto-metal, occult rock

[Themes] fantasy

[FFO] 70s rock, rock with organ, Phantom Spell

[Thoughts] The third and final 2024.04.12 release I wish to highlight! If you want more music like this, be sure to check out the other offerings from indie label Heavy Chains Records.

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[From the band/label]

Vintage, earthy 1970s hard rock done right from the Land Down Under!

The long-awaited sophomore album from Australia’s Tarot re-imagines heavy, Hammond B3 organ hard rock for a new generation! Eight years have passed since Tarot’s first full-length, Reflections, to their new long-player, Glimpse of the Dawn. It was like a lifetime for the 1970s-rock-tinged Australians. The band embarked on its first-ever live shows after Reflections, essentially coming together as a unit while on stage. Live activity then opened the door for increased collaboration between all members of the band. Now operating as a cohesive, free-flowing outfit, Tarot amassed a lively, spacious album in the form of Glimpse of the Dawn that earnestly pays tribute to their core influences of Uriah Heep, Rainbow and Deep Purple while blazing an identity of its own.

Glimpse of the Dawn was recorded across several studios in the band’s native Tasmania, starting with drum tracking by Joe Haley at Crawlspace Productions. From there, the band retreated to its own Heavy Chains Studio and Riff Cabin to complete tracking, yet it was the face-to-face sessions with Haley that gave the album its live and natural feel. This approach — once an industry standard but now becoming a rarity — found Tarot simply cracking open a few beers, letting the tape roll and letting the results happen as they may. To that end, Tarot purposely left open spaces to allow for improvisation. Many of the album’s lead guitar sections were written on the fly in the studio and were subsequently kept, allowing for Tarot to “catch lightning in a bottle.” This approach is perhaps best exemplified on the title track, which kicks off the album in grand fashion with rollicking Hammond keyboards and vocal trade-offs between founding member Will Spectre, guitarist Felix Russell and keyboardist Dave Harrington-George.

In fact, collaboration defines Glimpse of the Dawn. Whereas Spectre previously shouldered the songwriting load, the album features contributions from all members of Tarot. This communal, open vibe is yet another throwback to the bands Tarot has taken inspiration from. The closeness of all five members allowed for a free exchange of ideas, thus sharpening every facet of the album. It helped further expand Tarot’s sound, which is often driven by the classic Hammond B3 organ, mellotron string and choir and various analog synths. The members of Tarot put an immense of thought into the interplay between Harrington-George’s parts and its guitar lines, ultimately producing an album with equal breadth and depth.

Glimpse of the Dawn is tailor-made for the live arena. Tarot already has plans to hit its Australian homeland and Europe throughout 2024, bringing its hard-rocking, anthemic songs to audiences deserving of a band that perfectly embodies the spirit of 1970s rock.

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

ON THIS DAY 54 YEARS AGO -- REACH FOR THE STARS WITH HEAVY PROG & SPACE ROCK.

PIC INFO: Spotlight on the All Saints Hall poster design with heavy prog rock band ATOMIC ROOSTER headlining and psychedelic/space rock band HAWKWIND supporting, performing at All Saints Hall, College of Art, Notting Hill, England, on January 28, 1970.

Source: www.pinkfloydarchives.com/posters/Hawkwind/Hawkpost.htm#012870.