VALHALLA

VALHALLA were a five piece band out of Long Island, NY. They released this self titled album in 1969 and it would be their only release. The cover art is striking I must say. The music on here is a little inconsistent but it sure starts well with my top three tracks being in the first four. Including the opener "Hard Times" which reminds me a lot of CREAM. It's catchy with the guitar crying out over and over. A nice heavy start. While not in my top three "Conceit" might be one of the first power ballads(haha). Lyrics are a little sappy.

Second top three is "Ladies In Waiting" and this one just moves me, the vocals are great as the organ floats. A feel good tune. Final top three is "I'm Not Askin" and again it has a CREAM sound to it. This is uptempo and bluesy. Love the long instrumental section. Of the final six tracks there's not one that I really like hence the 3 star rating. The orchestration that pops up is not good in my opinion like on the lightweight "Deacon" or the closer "Overseas Symphony". "Heads Are Free" sounds too much like THE DOORS. "Rooftop Man" actually isn't too bad but overall three stars seems right for this one.