Black Bonzo - Sound of the Apocalypse. 2007 Sweden

Following on my review of the first album, here is Black Bonzo's highly anticipated second album. While the debut represented the early 70s UK sound - anywhere from the heavy rock of Uriah Heep to the gentler tones of Caravan - Black Bonzo's second album Sound of the Apocalypse shows the band moving to top billing on the arena stage. This album has what I would call a BIG sound. Mellotrons and organ, fat bass, loud guitars, and crashing drums. From the dynamic moments of King Crimson and Yes, to the more progressive sounds of Kansas and Styx is where you'll find the music of Black Bonzo's second album. You'll also spot Gentle Giant and VDGG, so all the big names are here. In effect, Black Bonzo moved the needle of the time machine from 1971 to 1976. And perhaps they also sailed from England to America. I find the album lacks a distinct personality, but it's hard to root against it. This is hardball progressive rock.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Laser's Edge (USA). Purchased not long after release. Fine tri-fold digipak with a booklet filled with lyrics.

2/22/11 (new entry); 2/27/22

Il Tempio delle Clessidre. 2010 Italy

Il Tempio delle Clessidre's debut is one of the finest retro Italian progressive rock albums I've heard to date. Lead by the beautiful keyboardist Elisa Montaldo, Il Tempio delle Clessidre is the classic five piece Italian band working its way through increasingly complex compositions, but with melody and passion. The crowning touch was the recruiting of Museo Rosenbach's front man Stefano “Lupo” Galifi, who pretty much sounds the same here as on Zarathustra (37 years ago!).

There are no weak tracks on Il Tempio delle Clessidre, though the album starts more measured and stilted, before it slowly morphs into its own creative genius. By the time of 'La Stanza Nascosta', the album has found its footing. And it peaks on the frenetic 'Danza Esoterica di Datura'. From there it maintains its intensity and brilliance. If you miss the spontaneous creativity of the original Italian progressive rock scene of 1973, and can't get enough of the analog sounds of the era, then Il Tempio delle Clessidre is a no-brainer pick up.

Ownership: CD: 2010 Black Widow

2/19/11 (new entry)

Metropolis ~ Germany

Metropolis (1974)

Musically, Metropolis' sole album is difficult to pigeonhole. It's a panoptic view of the Krautrock genre. I hear elements of other German groups as diverse as Joy Unlimited, Nine Days Wonder, Pell Mell, Lily, Os Mundi, Eiliff, and Ardo Dombec. Plenty of superb electric / acoustic guitar, organ, mellotron, horns, flute, female & male vocals. Final nine minute piece 'Ecliptic' is a total monster. Suffice to say, if you're a fan of the early 70s German underground rock scene, then Metropolis is a no-brainer purchase.

Ownership: 1974 Pan (LP)

No legit reissues as of 2/21/25.

1997 (first listen); 2/5/11 (review / new entry); 1/18/20

Thors Hammer ~ Denmark

Thors Hammer (1971)

On Thors Hammer's one album, the band plays a hard driving jazz progressive rock, typical of the UK 1971 movement ala bands like Raw Material, Diabolus, Hannibal, Aquila, etc.. Perhaps an even more accurate portrayal would the German group Nosferatu. An excellent album throughout.

Ownership: 2005 Thors Hammer (CD). Extensive historical liner notes. 

9/10/99; 2009; 2/6/11 (review / new entry); 2/17/25 (update)