WARRIOR ON THE EDGE OF TIME

By the time Warrior On The Edge Of Time was released, Simon House (Mellotron, electric violin) was well and truly ensconced in Hawkwind's line-up and this album continues in the sophisticated vein of Hall Of The Mountain Grill. A second drummer, Allan Powell, had also joined but bassist Lemmy was headed in the opposite direction out of the door. Lemmy doesn't even play on the Powell/King composition OPA-LOKA, with guitarist Dave Brock substituting on bass. Lemmy is on record as saying that OPA-LOKA isn't particularly good, although he used earthier language than that. It consists of little more than sundry noodlings over a ground bass and relentless drums, and the best thing I can say about it is that it contains Mellotron. However, in my opinion the main weakness with Warrior is the inclusion of the three Michael Moorcock collaborations. I'm really not keen on these poems as I feel they spoil the flow of the music.

Conversely, the various Dave Brock compositions comprise the best material on the album and the 2-part ASSAULT & BATTERY/THE GOLDEN VOID is a real killer piece. It's a strong opener for sure, and features splendid flute-play from Nik Turner and a superb transition between the two pieces. THE DEMENTED MAN is another highlight that features Mellotron- choir (if my ears don't deceive me) and acoustic guitar backed by some wonderful electric licks, while the Eastern-flavoured MAGNU consists of some turbulent wrangling between Turner's sax and House's tremulous fiddle. While Warrior On The Edge Of Time is a fine effort and undoubtedly contains some excellent material, for me it isn't as consistent as its predecessor. Overall it's somewhere between good and excellent, but I'll round up to 4 stars.