BOR

Before they became Black Sabbath, the band were known as Earth - a blues-driven powerhouse already making a name for themselves in the mid-60s. This new release presents rare early recordings from that era, remastered from long-lost tapes and acetates. Featuring previously unheard tracks, demos, and alternative takes, the collection captures Earth’s evolution as they pushed toward the heavy metal sound that would soon change rock music forever. With sleeve notes by original manager Jim Simpson.

Lorien Testard: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 [2 Vinyl LP]

Fall: The Unutterable [2 Vinyl LP]

Vintage Caravan: Portals [2 Vinyl LP]

Hawkwind: PXR 5 (Rem) [Vinyl LP]

Zushi Naoki: III [2 Vinyl LP]

The third album by Popol Vuh, a collective of musicians founded in Germany by Florian Fricke in 1969. ‘Hosianna Mantra’ was a departure from the band’s first two records. Leader Florian Fricke abandoned the use of the Moog synthesiser and instead employed acoustic instrumentation such as piano, oboe and tambura. The record also featured evocative vocals by Korean singer Djong Yun and guitar contributions from Conny Veit. The resulting album was one of the most inspiring, evocative and beautiful works to emerge in Germany in the 1970s and its fusion of ethnic, classical and ambient influences remains unique. It is little wonder that ‘Hosianna Mantra’ remains regarded as one of the finest works by Popol Vuh and continues to be held in high regard by both critics and aficionados alike. This Esoteric Recordings edition has been cut at Abbey Road studios and replicates the original album artwork.