New Ozric Tentacles Box Set of First 6 Albums

Just saw this on their website.

This year Ozrics celebrate their 30th anniversary. To mark the date, Ozrics are finally granting the wishes of many fans, by re-mastering and re-releasing a series of classics from the catalogue, which have previously been out of print for nearly 20 years. Ozric Tentacles “Vitamin Enhanced” Box Set contains the entire first 6 albums recorded by the band. These first six albums were originally only available on cassette, handmade by the band, and only sold at festivals and concerts. In 1993 these tapes were transferred to CD, and 1994 released limited edition box set, only 5,000 copies of this package were ever made, making it a rare treat for collectors. As time passed, with so many other releases to focus on, these albums fell out of print and distribution. Now they have finally been given the attention they deserve, countless hours of audio and visual re-mastering have restored this wonderfully unique package to a modern day standard that is sure to please any fan.

 Ozrics kick off their 30th anniversary tour in August with a run of festival performances, where for the first time fans will meet the band’s new drummer, Balázs Szende. “We’ve thrown some pretty tough tracks at him for the next tour”, says Ed, seeming entertained by the thought of the challenge he had set, “So far we’ve been amazed. He really understands just what each part is trying to say, and when it’s meant to say it. It makes things easy when that part comes naturally; it’s something you just can’t teach.” Ozrics continue their Europe tour starting October 10th, back home in Bristol, UK.

 Last year saw a tumultuous upheaval for the group. Upon arriving home from an extensive 40 date tour through North America and Europe, which included debut performances in Russia, the group was immediately evacuated from their home and studio. It was located directly in the path of the most destructive forest fire in Colorado history. The band had only moments to grab their most important possessions, before they were escorted out by Police and National Guard.

Fans watched the fire’s progress as the band continued to their last concert, a festival near Philadelphia, they were unaware of what would happen, but fairly certain it wasn’t looking good. That evening, as the band took the stage, the fire destroyed their home and studio as they played, taking with it all of the bands past archives and masters. Those who knew the circumstances described the performance as “a real life tribute to the phrase: The Show Must Go On”.

I saw an original VE box at a local store a few months ago.  Whilst tempted to get it, I remembered that I have a double-CD set of their first two albums and, honestly, find them rather dull!  Their later (early CD period) stuff is better.

Have to admit, if this was at a fairly affordable price, I would love to fill a gap in my collection with those interesting, if inconsistent. albums!

Very excited to read the news about a new drummer! A chance for the band to climb back to great heights again, and even though the last few albums have still been fairly enjoyable, the overuse of programming had left them a little lifeless, so this new addition might help reverse that. They're just missing that old magic, but still plenty of potential with the band.

i brought all of these on cassette back in the early '90's at gigs....saw them loads back then and one time had a smoke back stage with them at an oxford gig.........good days.

Hi,