A Greek band from the 60’s and 70’s with quite an antecedence – the keyboards man was “Chariots of Fire” composer Vangelis and their singer was “Ever and Forever” Demis Roussos…legends. This track is taken from their 1971 album “666” which is generally regarded as their best.
It starts with a dreamy sequence of lush orchestral sounds and chorus which reminds the listener of crashing waves and then kicks into that explosive guitar riff. Eventually the voiceover arrives behind a guitar solo which - to my ears at least - resembles David Gilmore on a Floyd album, before finishing with a flourish that reminds me of Steve Miller’s “Fly Like An Eagle.” Praise indeed!
No surprise therefore that they were regarded as Greece’s foremost progressive outfit likened to The Moody Blues and Procol Harum.
The band began to record, late in 1970, a musical adaptation of the biblical Book of Revelation, entitled “666”. Essentially, the ambitious double album was Vangelis' concept, created with an outside lyricist, Costas Ferris. The music Vangelis composed was much more psychedelic and progressive rock oriented than anything the band had done before. This did not sit well with the other band members, who wished to continue in the pop direction that had brought them success.By the time “666” was finally released almost two years later in June 1972, the band had already split up, despite having sold 20 million albums and remaining very popular throughout Europe.
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About the Curator: Richard Parsons
I grew up listening to music from the late 60’s onwards. Pirate pop radio; swapping LP’s with friends; exploring genres; daydreaming over the latest woofer and tweeter.
In reality I spent thirty years imparting imperfect knowledge of English literature and drama to young minds in school. Regrets? No. I loved teaching; loved the interaction with the pupils, and made lifelong friends as a result. And what better way to keep up to date with music? I always played stuff in my lessons, and as a result, I’d be bombarded with suggestions from my flock! “Sir! Have you heard…?”
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