Heroes of heavy rock reclaim their rightful place in history and win the day to make their renaissance eternal.
A seminal ensemble whose role in the development of popular music must not be underestimated, this band aren’t recognized nowadays on a level they deserve, so the quartet’s invitation to the Sweden Rock Festival should have validated them in the eyes of unbelievers – and it did. VIAC VANILLA FUDGE – Live At Sweden Rock 2016 (2017)→
Live At Sweden Rock 2016 - The 50th Anniversary
Vanilla Fudge
Psychedelic Rock, Hard Rock
MIG
2017
CD, DVD
11
Galleon were formed in 1981 as KG 299, in Ljusdal, Sweden. By 1985 the band was a trio with Göran Fors (bass, vocals), Dan Fors (drums) and Micke Varn (guitar). VIAC Galleon – Lynx (1992)→
Lynx
Galleon
Symphonic Rock, Prog Rock
VF Production
1992
CD
8
This is Alan Tepper’s second album, where a new rhythm section and also a guest flautist have joined him. Although both have been released in Germany by Ohrwaschl, his debut Ode To Life was also released in the UK on vinyl by ACME. VIAC FANTASYY FACTORYY – TALES TO TELL (1997)→
Tales To Tell
Fantasyy Factoryy
Psychedelic Rock, Prog Rock
Ohrwaschl Records
1997
CD, LP
7
Saying, “Scottish rock”, we mean NAZARETH – there’s no better synonym. Four decades into their career, the band still rock hard, so one cannot help but think of the Highlander and his immortality. Still, they’re mortals, and it’s the words that sound rather serious and pretentious, not their music. Of all the merry bunch bassist Pete Agnew is, perhaps, the one who fleshes out the very spirit of the group. Your heard him play, you heard him sing, now hear him talk.VIAC FROM MY ARCHIVE: FEBRUARY 2004 – PETE AGNEW (INTERVIEW)→
As far as I am aware, this album is unavailable in the UK, which is a crying shame. Artur thought that I may be interested in this CD from Swedish band darXtar, and he is definitely right. The artwork gives a space rock feel to proceedings, and this is continued with the music. VIAC Darxtar – Daybreak (1994)→
Daybreak
Darxtar
Space Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Prog Rock
SBm Sweden
1994
CD
7
Here’s a classic case of a legend overshadowing a man behind it. A monster that is DEEP PURPLE wouldn’t be as massive if not for the band’s first line-up’s heavy leanings of bassist Nick Simper and a certain guitar player. But once Simper was out of it, only a few people have followed his career which produced so much great music. Back to his rock ‘n’ roll roots with GOOD OL’ BOYS currently, Nick’s still doing what he does best – locking into the groove with full abandon. Quite like he took it to our conversation.VIAC FROM MY ARCHIVE: February 2008 – NICK SIMPER (Interview)→
For ‘T’ read Thomas Thielen, and he is the former Scythe guitarist who released his debut solo album Naive back in 2001. He has now returned with his second, where he plays all of the instruments himself as well as all of the vocals. VIAC T – Voices (2006)→
Shining out of the darkness, British quartet get on with the times and stage a stellar set across the ocean from their new home.
For all of this band’s initial brilliance, it took them a few years to establish a pattern different to progressive drift that had always been there, but the difficulty was a result of the change in the musical climate, not the ensemble’s own creative conflicts. VIAC WISHBONE ASH – Live At Rockpalast 1976→
Live At Rockpalast 1976
Wishbone Ash
Hard Rock
MIG
2019
2xCD, DVD
13
IQ’s debut vinyl album was released in 1983, initially only available through mail order or at gigs. At long last it has been released on CD in the UK (although it has previously been available as an import).VIAC IQ – Tales From The Lush Attic (1983)→
Tales From The Lush Attic
IQ
Prog Rock, Neo Prog
The Major Record Company
1983
LP
5
CD Giant Electric Pea – GEPCD1010 /1994/
This is the second album by Barrock, who hail from Pordenone in Italy. Comprising four musicians, together with two female vocalists, this album is unlike much music currently around.VIAC Barrock – Oxian (1994)→
Oxian
Barrock
Prog Rock, Symphonic Rock
SI Music
1994
CD
10
You may think of him as of rock ‘n’ roll prima donna or devout Christian, as of extremely humble person or a raging star – there are two things you can’t deny, one being his music and the other that Ken Hensley is a genius, with a songwriting gift equal to Paul McCartney’s and Brian Wilson’s, and a poetic eloquence to knock off both. “He’s going to return”, was a line of his, and Ken might have been singing about himself, because now he’s back and full-on.VIAC From my archive: November 1999 – KEN HENSLEY (Interview)→
Fed up the current wave of progressive rock and looking for something more raw and raucous, yet played with great skill and dexterity? If that is the case, then Red Jasper are the band for you. I asked Davey how he would describe the sound of Red Jasper to the unknowing and was told “Motörhead meets Jethro Tull”. Curious? Read on.VIAC RED JASPER – STING IN THE TALE (1990)→
Sting In The Tale
Red Jasper
Prog Folk, Prog Rock
HTD Records
1990
CD, LP
9
Half-century down the line and no sign of slowing down, one of the greatest German groups cast a glance behind and plan their next steps.
Founded in Dortmund in 1969, EPITAPH – who featured local performers and British players – didn’t leave a lasting trace on an international level, but connoisseurs keep them in high esteem and, rather importantly, they still deliver the goods. VIAC EPITAPH – Five Decades Of Classic Rock (2020)→
Five Decades Of Classic Rock
Epitaph
Hard Rock
MIG
2020
3xCD
43
Live At Sweden Rock 2016 - The 50th Anniversary
