14.01.2008.
Armageddon - Armageddon (1975) (@256)
(Review from amazon)
Armageddon was the last decisive battle for ex-Yardbird Keith Relf. The former lead singer and harmonica player of the band that launched Clapton, Beck and Page; Relf had abandonned his blues-guitar band roots when he founded Renaissance in the late 1960's. Relf left Renaissance after two albums (actually half way threw the second album) due to frustrations with the music business and being tired of touring.
After the disolution of Steamhammer, Relf, and ex-Steamhammer members, Martin Pugh (guitar) and Louis Cennamo (bass) came to L.A. and hooked up with ex-Captain Beyond and Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell to form Armageddon. Armageddon combined the complex drum patterns of Caldwell, with Pugh's heavy and stylistic riffing and Relf's insightful and searching lyrics to create a haunting and enduring piece of heavy rock.
In the opening song "Buzzard" borrowing a riff from Steamhammer's "Penumbra", Pugh's guitar soars with speed, control and precision, while Relf's intelligent lyrics rap around the crashing, thunderous drums of Caldwell. It is an exhilarating eight minute flight worth taking over and over again. While "Buzzard" is one of the album's highlights, there are many other particularly strong moments include: the beautiful and stylish "Silver Tightrope," which features an echoing guitar and more contemplative lyrics from Relf, and "Last Stand Before" a Zeppelinesque (Physical Graffiti era) rocker with descriptive and prophetic lyrics. In this one Relf sings "Lost a friend, met his end, way before his time" and "my brother's falling catch him if I can. I see him falling you can join him in his last stand," it makes one wonder if he was aware of his own fate.
It's too bad that this proved to be the last stand for Relf and Armageddon. Relf returned to England due to poor health shortly after this was released. Relf's health and reported drug use among some of the band lead to Armageddon failing to release any more material. Relf died shortly after returning to England, when he was electrocuted while playing guitar.
Line-up :
* Keith Relf - Harmonica, Vocals
* Martin Pugh - Guitars
* Louis Cennamo - Bass, Bowed Bass
* Bobby Caldwell - Percussion, Arranger, Drums, Vocals
Track List :
01. Buzzard
02. Silver Tightrope
03. Paths and Planes and Furture Gains
04. Last Stand Before
05. Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun
06. Warning Comin' On
07. Brother Ego
08. Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun (Reprise)
Link in comments.
Original Post Date : 6 Sep 2007 | 4:14 PM
