Armageddon’s only album Armageddon

Armageddon's only album Armageddon was released in 1975, on A&M Records. Although not so much metal as hard rock, Armageddon's music was as hard-hitting as any of their mid-70's peers. Built around punchy blues-based rock, Armageddon incorporated off-kilter time signatures, startling dynamics, spiritual themes, and effects-laden production into their lengthy compositions. (While short by most progressive standards, four of the five songs exceeded eigh minutes in length). The musicanship was beyond reproach: Keith Relf (Yardbirds, Renassance and Steamhammer) handling vocals and harmonica, Martin Pugh (Rod Stewart and Steamhammer) on guitars, Louis Cennamo (Renaissance, Steamhammer and the inventor of the electric bowed bass guitar) on basses, and Bobby Caldwell (Johnny Winter and Captain Beyond) on drums. Each member contributed to the writing and his own unique musical style to Armageddon's music, all of which meshed nicely to create a sound distinctly their own - violent and forceful, fully deserving  of the name Armageddon.

Unfortunately, Armageddon was a short-lived project. Drug addiction, health problems, and Keith Relf's untimely death (by electrocution) put a quick end to the band. Armageddon's legacy remains, however, thanks to A&M Records' Japan division and their British Rock Masterpieces series. The sound quality is excellent and virtually replicates the polish of the original vinyl. In addition, Repertoire Records (in Germany) re-issued Armageddon in 1998, and I've read that the production quality actually surpasses that of the A&M inport.

Ultimately, Armageddon stands as on of rock's - and progressive's - finest albums. For progressive fans interested in history or just looking for something that genuinely rocks, or for the prog-metal fans wondering where it really all began, Armageddon is a must!

Track Listing:
Buzzard (8:16) / Silver Tightrope (8:23) / Paths and Planes and Future Gains (4:30) / Last Stand Before (8:23) / Basking in the White of the Midnight Sun: Warning Comin' On (1:02) - Basking... (3:07) - Brother Ego (5:13) - Basking (Reprise)... (2:02)

Musicians:
Keith Relf - vocals, harmonica
(Died: May 14, 1982)
Martin Pugh - electric and acoustic guitars
Louis Cennamo - bass guitar, electric bowed bass guitar
Bobby Caldwell - drums, percussion, piano, vocals

I would like to see this band included in the listings here. They are certainly deserving.