Electric Wizards: A Tapestry of Heavy Music, 1968 to the present

The evolution of heavy music is explored through the bands Blue Cheer, Funkadelic, Faust, Sleep, post-punk, industrial, grunge, and stoner rock, highlighting how each successive phase was forged by what came before and extoling those who did things differently.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2021
Publisher: Reaktion Books

The evolution of heavy music is a fascinating journey that has seen it begin with The Beatles' iconic track "Helter Skelter," be distilled to its dark essence by Black Sabbath, and then flourish into a vibrant modern underground, epitomized by Newcastle's Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. This evolution has been marked by a wide range of styles and genres, from the lysergic blunt trauma of Blue Cheer to the locked grooves of Funkadelic, the aural frightmares of Faust to the tectonic crush of Sleep, and many others in between.

The journey through heavy music is as varied as it is illuminating, taking listeners on a journey from the familiar to the obscure, from household names to obscure cult heroes and heroines. Electric Wizards showcases how each successive phase of heavy music was forged by what came before, outlining a rich and eclectic lineage that extends far beyond the usual boundaries of heavy rock or heavy metal.

One of the most striking aspects of Electric Wizards' approach to heavy music is their celebration of those who did things differently. They extol those who introduced something fresh and exciting into this elemental tradition, whether by design, accident, or sheer chance. By doing so, they weave an entirely new tapestry of heavy music that is both familiar and fresh, drawing on a wide range of influences and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the genre.

One of the most notable examples of Electric Wizards' influence on heavy music is their collaboration with sludge metal pioneers Neurosis. Their 2010 album "The Seer" was a critical success, blending the heavy, sludge-driven sound of Neurosis with the psychedelic and experimental elements that are characteristic of Electric Wizards. The result was a dark and immersive album that pushed the boundaries of what is possible in heavy music.

Another example of Electric Wizards' influence can be seen in their collaboration with noise rock pioneers Sunn O)))). Their 2011 album "Monoliths & Dimensions" was a dark and atmospheric album that blended the crushing sound of Sunn O))) with the psychedelic and experimental elements that are characteristic of Electric Wizards. The result was a powerful and immersive album that left listeners in awe of the sheer intensity of the music.

In addition to their collaborations with other bands, Electric Wizards have also made a significant impact on the heavy music scene through their own albums. Their 2006 album "Dopamine" was a breakthrough for the band, blending the heavy, sludge-driven sound of Neurosis with the psychedelic and experimental elements that are characteristic of Electric Wizards. The album was a critical success, and helped to establish Electric Wizards as one of the leading lights in the heavy music scene.

Since then, Electric Wizards have continued to push the boundaries of heavy music, releasing a series of albums that have been met with critical acclaim and widespread praise. Their 2012 album "Crimes of Passion" was a dark and atmospheric album that blended the heavy, sludge-driven sound of Neurosis with the psychedelic and experimental elements that are characteristic of Electric Wizards. The album was a critical success, and helped to establish Electric Wizards as one of the leading lights in the heavy music scene.

In conclusion, the evolution of heavy music is a fascinating journey that has seen it begin with The Beatles' iconic track "Helter Skelter," be distilled to its dark essence by Black Sabbath, and then flourish into a vibrant modern underground, epitomized by Newcastle's Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. Electric Wizards have played a significant role in this evolution, showcasing how each successive phase of heavy music was forged by what came before, outlining a rich and eclectic lineage that extends far beyond the usual boundaries of heavy rock or heavy metal. By celebrating those who did things differently and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the genre, Electric Wizards have helped to shape the future of heavy music and have left a lasting impact on the scene.

Weight: 892g
Dimension: 167 x 241 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789144482