BLOOD OF THE EARTH

It was actually a relief to see Eetu Pellonpaa's five star review of this album here although my mind was made up to give this 5 stars anyway. Let's just say i'm in good company considering he's part of the Psychedelic team along with Rivertree (Uwe) who gave this 4 stars.This album has completely blown me away and there's so much variety too and it all sounds incredible.There are no weak links here as far as i'm concerned. Having Tim Blake (GONG) back after a long time certainly is a huge benefit. I said to Tom Ozric that maybe they quit taking drugs in the studio this time and came up with one for the ages. I don't know it's just that everything is so well done. Studio album number 26 for the band is quite the accomplishment.

"Seahawks" opens with someone speaking these words "I will become master of the universe".Then spacey and experimental sounds take over with samples. A heavy beat comes in before a minute. More spoken words 3 minutes in as the heavy soundscape continues. It all stops after 5 minutes then the spacey sounds return. A killer opener. It blends into "Blood Of The Earth" where spacey sounds continue.This turns haunting quickly.Very spacey. Sampled words 2 minutes in. Love this stuff. "Wraith" hits the ground running and the vocals join in quickly. Classic HAWKWIND. Kicking ass and taking names ! It settles 2 1/2 minutes in as it becomes spacey with samples. It's building then it kicks back in around 5 minutes. Nice. "Green Machine" is another fav of mine.The atmosphere is simply beautiful to start. Gulp. Guitar, synths and a beat eventually join in as the atmosphere continues. Incredible. "Inner Visions" has some crazy sounding synths on it. This is fairly heavy.Vocals come in early. Cool song.

"Sweet Obsession" is a cover of a Dave Brock track from his 1984 solo album called "Earthed To The Ground". It opens with a loud sound then the music kicks in.This is uptempo with the guitar grinding away.Vocals before a minute.Great sound ! Guitar to the fore 3 minutes in. Great track. "Comfy Chair" is a laid back psychedelic tune with "out there" lyrics.The vocals are lazy and we get some flute when the vocals stop then keyboards. Gorgeous ending. "Prometheus" has an Eastern vibe to it with what sounds like sitar.Vocals join in. Love this stuff.The guitar after 4 minutes sounds fantastic.Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes to end it. "You'd Better Believe It" is a re- worked version of the same song from "Hall Of The Mountain Grill". And it sure sounds like classic HAWKWIND here. Killer track.This is catchy and uptempo. It settles after 3 minutes then kicks back in after 5 1/2 minutes. "Sentinel" is the perfect song to end the album. It's laid back and simply gorgeous.There's a PORCUPINE TREE-like atmosphere when the vocals stop.Tasteful guitar 3 minutes in and late.

This will be in my top five of 2010. A must for fellow space freaks !