Many of the bands that will grace the electronic pages of this blog are ones that may have explored the origins of heavy metal, but their lack of success or fame aren't surprising given the time period, lack of a major label, and/or insufficient press. However, the fact that Captain Beyond never made it big is baffling. Although lacking the star power of a supergroup like Cream, Captain Beyond nevertheless featured a reasonable collection of early metal talent.
The first record, a self-titled effort released in the summer of 1972, displayed the string slinging of Larry Reinhardt on electric guitar and Lee Dorman on bass, both of whom recorded Iron Butterfly's Metamorphosis album in 1970. Dorman also appeared on 68's In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida and 69's Ball, in addition to a live album. Skinman Bobby Caldwell toured with Johnny Winter and was featured on the 1971 album Live Johnny Winter And. Fronting the project was none other than Rod Evans, the vocalist for Deep Purple's first incarnation, responsible for singing on Shades of Deep Purple, The Book of Taliesyn, and the eponymous Deep Purple. The pedigree and notability was there.
Even more puzzling, the musicianship and songs were there. This is a good record. Frozen Over is a great example of the group's output, being driven by frenetic drumming, driving bass, and fearless guitars with enough time changes and heavy riffs to satisfy prog and metal fans alike.
There are thirteen tracks in total, but many of them are short and tie together, sort of an album featuring mini-concepts, a la Rush. There are a few standalone tracks, such as Raging River of Fear, notable for solid melody and a ferocious guitar attack. Without reservation, I recommend this album.
Usually I feature a prominent track at the end of my posts, but it appears the entire album is available to listen to on Youtube. Enjoy.
