Few albums in Gong’s discography capture the band’s whimsical, irreverent take on life’s complexities and the enigma of death as vividly as 2014’s I See You. Now, the legendary psychedelic collective mark a decade since the release with a brand-new 10th Anniversary Edition on Kscope. Set for release on Kscope on May 9th, the new edition has been remixed from the original multi-track recordings by Frank Byng, producer and sound engineer of the last four Gong albums.
“A triumph of creativity, imagination, and spirit.” – Classic Rock Magazine
This milestone reissue celebrates not only the existential beauty of Gong’s music, but also the enduring legacy of frontman and visionary Daevid Allen, whose boundless creativity continues to resonate with fans worldwide. I See You was the final studio album featuring Daevid Allen before his passing in 2015 and stands as a testament to his vibrant spirit and revolutionary ethos. Infused with the anarchic energy that defined Gong’s origins in the 1968 Paris counterculture movement, I See You takes its place as one of the finest gems in the band’s heroic catalogue.
“As impish and perverse as ever” – Uncut
“Daevid Allen’s final album, I See You is such a transitional Gong record in so many ways, not that any of us realised it at the time. Work on the album had just commenced around the time I was asked to join and Daevid was in fine health but by the time we were at the mixing stage he was undergoing intense treatment for his cancer which would ultimately prove unsuccessful. As you can imagine, the record was completed under extremely fraught circumstances, very different to the upbeat way it started. Getting it over the line was not an especially joyful process. Decisions needed to be made under a great deal of pressure and, with emotions running high, they weren’t always the right ones. Nonetheless, I’m so happy Daevid got to hear it completed, that he loved it and that we got to put it out into the world.
When, during his final months, Daevid expressed his desire for the band he had assembled to continue without him we felt pretty uncertain about the prospect. Yet here we are after ten years of constant touring, three studio albums (with a fourth on the way) and a double live album later, looking back at the record which launched the current incarnation of this wonderful mythology.
Hearing Frank Byng’s remarkable new mix, thankfully completed without time constraints, has brought an increased sonic clarity which accentuates the eccentric psychedelic majesty of the original release. I was moved to tears hearing it. For me, this is the definitive version of I See You, the record I always hoped it would be.” – Kavus Torabi
For I See You, Allen was joined by his son Orlando Allen on drums, and members of the current lineup: guitarist and frontman Kavus Torabi (formerly of Cardiacs), horn player Ian East, Dave Sturt (the sonic manipulator) on bass, and the Brazilian Fabio Golfetti, weaving his own lysergic patterns on guitar. The result is an impressive, multi-layered and irrepressible world, populated with a series of dazzling musical gems – melodically rich, lyrically engaging and musically refreshed.
“It’s extraordinary that Allen’s work continues to be so… extraordinary” –Record Collector
Gong continues to carry the torch ignited by Daevid Allen with a tour of the UK and North America planned for Summer 2025 – MAY 21 – York, UK – The Crescent 22 – Huddersfield, UK – The Parish 23 – Allendale, UK – Allendale Village Hall 25 – Liverpool, UK – Outer Waves Festival (Invisible Wind Factory)
JUNE 06 – Albuquerque, NM – Sister 07 – Colorado Springs, CO – Lulu’s Downtown 08 – Denver, CO – The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues 10 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room 11 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club 13 – Yakima, WA – Bearded Monkey Music 14 – Seattle, WA – Rainier Arts Centre (Cascadence Festival) 15 – Portland, OR – McMenamins White Eagle Saloon 16 – Eugene, OR – WOW Hall 18 – Redding, CA – The Dip 19 – Mill Valley, CA – Sweetwater Music Hall 21 – Studio City, CA – The Baked Potato 22 – Studio City, CA – The Baked Potato 23 – Costa Mesa, CA – The Wayfarer 25 – San Marcos, CA – The Bornemann Theatre 26 – Phoenix, AZ 27 – Tucson, AZ 28 – Flagstaff, AZ – The Orpheum Theatre
AUGUST 29 – Brighton, UK – Brighton Psych Festival 30 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Psych Festival
Who are we? Where do we go? These are the kind of existential questions that have arisen for many of us during these last years and that have also been haunting DISILLUSION during the process of creating their fourth full-length “Ayam”. Without a chance to perform live and their personal lives also being affected by many restrictions the focus of the German avant-gardists shifted fully towards their band and the creation of new songs as well as recording. The effect is audible: “Ayam” sounds richer, even more multi-layered, and fully matured compared to the already highly praised previous releases. Yet the intricacies of their music are never just a means to an end, but more than anything all the complexity is subjugated to serve the inner feeling and cinematic aspect of each song itself.
The thematic questions and multi-dimensional layers of the songs are also reflected in the album title “Ayam”. The word derives from Sanskrit and means “This One”. Pronounced in English it sounds like “I am”, while reading it backwards turns it into “Maya”, which is neither an accident nor explained by the band that obviously likes to offer riddles.
While DISILLUSION stuck closer together, they were also searching their hearts whether it was time to change old habits and try out something new. This led to the excellent decision to leave the mix of the album to different ears than the bands’ for the first time. Their choice could not have been better as renowned producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, MOONSPELL) once again worked his exciting magic and enhanced their already unique sound by shining a sonic spotlight to the most important aspects such as the vocals.
Founded around singer and guitarist Andy Schmidt in the East Germany city of Zwickau in 1994, DISILLUSION pulled the rare trick of already becoming a staple in the field of avant-garde melodic death metal with the release of their full-length debut “Back to Times of Splendor” in 2004. The Germans have always been driven to seek new challenges and find new ways to evolve their music, which was exemplified by the following album “Gloria” that took radical musical steps in several directions at the same time. “Gloria” was far ahead of its time in terms of composition and sound, which becomes apparent when compared to GOJIRA’s masterpiece “Magma” for example that came out a decade later.
Despite their early success, DISILLUSION took a creative hiatus until suddenly returning in 2016 with the single “Alea” and a new line-up that had changed in several positions. Quite likely even to the band’s surprise, a large and loyal fan base had formed during the decade of their absence, which showed in sold out shows and a highly successful crowdfunding campaign to realise a new album, which the Germans repeated for “Ayam”.
When “The Liberation” was released in 2019, critics described the album as a logical continuation of “Back to Times of Splendor”. Its songs reflected 15 years of additional experience in the musical development of Andy Schmidt. “The Liberation” turbo-charged all of DISILLUSION‘s best qualities: the perfect interplay of massive metal with moments of pure euphoria and quiet introspection that create a sonic rollercoaster ride of passionate emotions.
With “Ayam”, DISILLUSION again sail among the stars to new stellar constellations of heavy sounds. While staying true to their general course, the German avant-garde pioneers also continue dropping anchor to explore new planets sparkling in space with a multitude of radiant sounds. “Ayam” offers exciting evolution rather than radical revolution, and DISILLUSION‘s new musical forms and means are most beautiful and astonishing to behold. This album is a golden ticket to join the extraordinary journey of a life-time. Please feel free to check-in anytime you like!
Release date: November 4, 2022
Tracklist 1. Am Abgrund 2. Tormento 3. Driftwood 4. Abide the Storm 5. Longhope 6. Nine Days 7. From the Embers 8. The Brook
Recording line-up Andy Schmidt – vocals, guitar Sebastian Hupfer – guitar Ben Haugg – guitar Robby Kranz – bass, backing vocals Martin Schulz – drums
Current line-up Andy Schmidt – vocals, guitar Ben Haugg – guitar Robby Kranz – bass, backing vocals Martin Schulz – drums
Guest musicians Birgit Horn – trumpet, flugelhorn Clara Glas – cello Frederic Ruckert – keyboard Marek Stefula – triangle
Recorded & produced by Andy Schmidt & Disillusion at Echolux Studios Leipzig Drum recording engineering by Magnus Wichmann Mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden Mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden
DISILLUSION Headliner 2022 14 OCT 2022 Köln (DE) Yard Club 15 OCT 2022 Frankfurt (DE) Das Rind 28 OCT 2022 Hamburg (DE) Headcrash 19 OCT 2022 Berlin (DE) Frannz’ 04 NOV 2022 Leipzig (DE) Werk 2
DISILLUSION with OBSCURA & PERSEFONE 07 SEP 2022 Köln (DE) Gebäude9 08 SEP 2022 Hamburg (DE) Knust 09 SEP 2022 Berlin (DE) Hole 44 10 SEP 2022 Praha (CZ) Futurum 11 SEP 2022 Warszawa (PL) Hydrozagadka 13 SEP 2022 Wien (AT) Viper Room 14 SEP 2022 Zürich (CH) Komplex Klub 15 SEP 2022 Milano (IT) Legend Club 16 SEP 2022 Lyon (FR) CCO 17 SEP 2022 Barcelona (ES) La Nau 18 SEP 2022 Madrid (ES) Caracol 19 SEP 2022 Toulouse (FR) Le Rex 20 SEP 2022 Paris (FR) Petit Bain 22 SEP 2022 Bristol (UK) Exchange 23 SEP 2022 Dublin (IE) Voodoo Lounge 24 SEP 2022 Glasgow (UK) Audio 25 SEP 2022 Leeds (UK) Brudenell 26 SEP 2022 London (UK) The Underworld 28 SEP 2022 Nijmegen (NL) Doornroosje 29 SEP 2022 Frankfurt (DE) Das Bett 30 SEP 2022 Mannheim (DE) MSC Complex 01 OCT 2022 München (DE) Backstage Halle
Tracklist
1. Gas Tanks
2. Coffin Confession
3. Going Down
4. Once I Had Illusions (Part 1)
5. I Like Games
6. Shining Brightness
7. The Blues and Messing Round
8. Long Long Road
9. Once I Had Illusions (Part 2)Line-up
Arthur Brown – vocals, guitars, piano
Rik Patten – multiple instrumentsRecording at Sonic Scoops Studios UK Produced by Arthur Brown with Rik Patten Arrangements by Arthur Brown and Rik Patten Mix&engineering by Rik Patten Mastering by Marc UrselliArtwork by Laurie Avon Photography and imagery by Harvey Waller Layout & design by Jean Valnoir Simoulin
Available formats “Long Long Road” is available as a box set including a 48-page hardcover 2CD artbook, a gatefold 180g orange marble vinyl-LP, a bonus 7″ vinyl single, a wall flag, 4 30×30 cm art prints, and a certificate of authenticity personally signed and hand-numbered by Arthur Brown. The 2CD artbook is also available separately and includes liner notes by Arthur Brown, enhanced artwork and photography, and two exclusive studio recordings. “Long Long Road” is furthermore available on black 180g vinyl LP, on transparent red 180g vinyl LP, and as a Digipak CD.
WHO IS ARTHUR BROWN?
Pretty much everyone into rock music knows ARTHUR BROWN. Be it via listening to or watching The Who’s rock opera “Tommy” or spending time with The Alan Parsons Project’s classic debut album “Tales of Mystery and Imagination”, most people have encountered Arthur – even if they might not have realized it.
Yet when it comes to THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN’s iconic, career-defining 1968 transatlantic hit single ‘Fire’, everybody knows that this is Arthur – the self-proclaimed God of Hellfire!
But, we are getting ahead of ourselves, when we really ought to start with Arthur’s new full-length masterpiece “Long Long Road”.
Wild, vibrant, and crammed with rich musical textures, his new album is quintessentially ARTHUR BROWN, and can easily be construed as the apex and summary of a fascinating career that has spanned no fewer than seven decades.
Scheduled for release on Arthur’s 80th birthday on June 24, “Long Long Road” effortlessly shifts from progressive rock and soul to pristine blues rock, with the much-loved singer summoning his full vocal range with a mature mastery that comes only with the experience of a lifetime.
Make no mistake; ARTHUR BROWN is a true rock legend – luckily, one whose star still burns very brightly, making audiences’ jaws drop whenever he takes to the stage.
Born in 1942, this outstanding vocalist and pioneering performer have recently been experiencing a renaissance. Arthur’s ground-breaking work over several decades was honored at the 2019 Prog Awards when he received the Visionary Artist Award. In 2021, Arthur was given an HRH Legend Award that celebrates the best of British rock music. Prior to these, Classic Rock magazine bestowed a “Showman Award” on Arthur in 2005. This renewed attention by fans, media, and peers in the autumn of his artistic endeavors can be recognized as a long-overdue tribute to an iconic musician, similar to that enjoyed by JOHNNY CASH late in his expansive career.
ARTHUR BROWN‘s legacy has been long appreciated by fellow musicians, writers, and dedicated rock fans far beyond the vast shadow cast by his gigantic number 1 hit single ‘Fire’. The iconic track from his 1968 album “The Crazy World of Arthur Brown” still maintains its mesmerizing power with audiences and peers today. At the same time, it could be argued that the omnipresence of ‘Fire’ has partly obscured Arthur’s many outstanding accomplishments over the 54 years since its release.
To understand the massive impact and influence of ARTHUR BROWN‘s wild stage persona, flamboyant theatrical performances, and charismatic multi-octave voice, one only needs to listen to these rock icons:
“Without Arthur Brown, there would be no Alice Cooper.” ALICE COOPER
“Now there’s a man who was ahead of his time.” ELTON JOHN
“Arthur Brown was a big influence of mine… Arthur Brown has the voice of death.” Bruce Dickinson, IRON MAIDEN
“Arthur Brown is as much a dancer as he is a singer.” Pete Townshend, THE WHOARTHUR BROWN is widely recognized as a pioneer of shock rock and progressive rock, and a significant influence on heavy metal. His live performances include iconic classics, dance, poetry, visuals and a subliminal soundtrack of new electronic music. Whenever he plays, Arthur still brings the dramatically elegant and always extravagant style that he established as the gold standard onstage.During his long and distinguished career, Arthur has been the lead singer of various groups, most notably THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN and KINGDOM COME, along with a cameo in the cult film “Tommy”, in which his dramatic vocals were backed by ERIC CLAPTON and THE WHO. Collaborations include the debut album of THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, DAVID GILMORE, THE PRODIGY, BRUCE DICKINSON, THE STRANGLERS, KULA SHAKER, DIE KRUPPS, and many more.
With each note on “Long Long Road”, ARTHUR BROWN makes the impressive statement that he remains as authentic, challenging, creative, and compelling as he was at his career’s fiery beginning. This record is not a swansong, but the thrilling beginning of the final phase of an utterly singular career.
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