ELOY

German prog band Eloy are little heard of in the UK, with all their 70s output released solely in Germany.

Their 1971 eponymous debut, released on Philips, was a moderate hard rock affair, before the band signed to Harvest and released the excellent Inside and Floating albums. A hard prog sound ensued, driven by heavy bass and Hammond organ.

Guitarist/vocalist Frank Bourneman was mainstay throughout.

Several other albums followed, including Power And The Passion, Dawn, Ocean, Live, Silent Cries And Mighty Echoes and 1980’s Colours.

Throughout their career there has been interest by heavy metal fans because of the fantasy concepts.

In 1982 Eloy released two albums, Planets and Time To Turn, combining a marvellous fantasy concept. They were released in the UK on the Heavy Metal label with different sleeves, illustrated by Rodney Matthews. Now the sound was more electronic, often using two keyboard players, These two are essential listening.

Performance was their weakest album by far before returning with the excellent Metromania. 1988’s Ra was also a good set, and oft overlooked.

More information:

Artist website

© 2006 Joe Geesin/GRTR! All rights reserved.