VALHALLA-VALHALLA

This outfit released their only album in 1969 and they originated from Long Island NYC. The most striking impact is their crossdressing Music style that tend to bend in a wary way of directions. Blues/prog/psych rock with touch of Jazz with an instant resemblence to Deep Purple, Cream, ELP and Procul Harum. This is a very good record and no song falls of the wagon.

The Production is time typical with a great organ drive into the tunes and the guitar is splendid. The rhythm section is solid as a rock!! Mark Mangold who´s started the outfit would later persue a career with American Tears after Valhalla dissolved soon after this albums release.

Whatabout the drummer, Eddie Livingston?? As this fellow is the one and only not sharing the vocal task you could have expected a Little more of excitement in his playing style. The lack of drive is apparent but the striking abilities are fine. The hitratio and Dynamics are there but this is not a new Ian Paice! Together with percussion and bass the rhythm section is great as awhole but it is not thanks to Mr. Livingstone´s personal achievement. Sorry to say.

An open mind toward´s the 60´s Hard/Blues/prog/psych rock Music brings this recording to new height´s. If you´re in for a Deep Purple kind of sound and style, this is right up your Alley. Great original copies are out there for a healthy sum of Money but you can also get reissues and CD´s. For an American band this pretty cool sounding and brings some toetapping to the party! Funny!!

VINYLRATING/GRADE

6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-