WHERE THE GROUPIES KILLED THE BLUES

LUCIFER'S FRIEND were a five piece band from Germany including a British singer John Lawton who sings in that Blues style ala Robert Plant. This is album number two from 1972 and it follows in the style of the self titled debut but they do change stuff up some. What makes this band standout from the many hard and heavy bands from the late 60's and early 70's is just how sophisticated the compositions are. An incredible German band who impress big time with their play, then add those amazing vocals and man those first two albums are sensational and similar enough that they are by far my two favourite recordings by the band.

Their third album from 1973 called "I'm Just A Rock 'N' Roll Singer" is much more straightforward AOR type music while 1974's "Banquet" is probably the most adventerous and proggy but a step down from the first two in my opinion mainly because I feel there's things that just don't work like the blasting horns. Yes this band did not like to repeat themselves. Kind of cool that the bad dudes on the album cover of the debut are up in the top left corner of this cover art tying the two together.

Love the first two tracks, I mean just a great way to start the album with "Hobo" and the rebel yell to start from Lawton. This is heavy and catchy with those incredible vocals over top. A lot going on here. "Rose In The Vine" opens with haunting piano and I should have mentioned that the keyboardist plays organ, piano, mellotron and moog. When this kicks in before 2 minutes it's an "oh my"moment. Raw sounding guitar then a calm with bluesy vocals. Those vocals do get passionate followed by an innovative instrumental section.

We get strings and some cool vocal arrangements on "Mother". Check out the guitar tone just before 5 minutes. Some nice contrasts on the title track and I was reminded a little of Dio fronted BLACK SABBATH on "Prince Of Darkness". I like the samples on the closer "Burning Ships" a mellow tune until the final 1 1/2 minutes.

Two amazing albums from this band and many will point to "Banquet" as the third such album.