I have mentioned before that I collect Noble Records Exclusive albums and that I have enjoyed them immensely, for the most part. I have listened to them so many times now, that Apple Music has started popping up related songs on my Radio Station. One of the songs that popped up was by a band called Zior. I thought the song was incredible so when I went back to Noble, I asked if they had anything by them and sure enough, they had a re-issue of the 1971 album that the song was from. Of course I bought it. And now you get the pleasure of reading what I thought about it whether you want to or not! And let me tell you, you want to hear about it.

Zior is a heavy metal, psych rock band from the 70’s with a lot of prog influence as well. The band has been compared to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf and even the Doors (see the sticker down further in the article). And I would say that is an accurate description as all of those elements are in this album. The band was heavy in to the occult as well as those themes are also in the lyrics. If you like Stoner Rock or even NWOBHM, I think this album would be for you. And if those descriptions aren’t enough to sway you to give them a try, then I have more work to do to convince you.

The album’s artwork was designed by Keith MacMillan who you know as he did the cover for the debut Black Sabbath album as well as a couple other of their album covers. You can definitely see his style in the cover image. The band, let’s talk about the band. We have Keith Bonser on Vocals (as well as organ, bass and flute…yep…flute), John Truba on guitar, Peter Brewer on drums (plus piano and harmonica) and Barry Skeels on bass. And you will soon find out what a fine set of musicians we have here. A solid band, a great singer and music that will surprise you. Why don’t I talk about the music and hopefully by the end, this will speak to you they way it spoke to me. It didn’t really speak to me, that would be crazy. I was speaking figuratively, not literally.

SIDE 1:

With a cover designed by the same person that did Black Sabbath’s debut, you’d probably expect some pretty heavy shit about to happen. Instead we get a hard rock album with some catchy songs, killer heavy riffs and a gritty rock vocalists. The opening track, “I Really Do”, is all of those things and more. There are no eerie ghouls or any Lord of the Rings imagery going on, no this is a love song with some balls. You get some sensational drum work and a solo that will kick your teeth in. A great opening track.

Then it is time for “Za Za Za Zilda”, a dark and murky track with some acoustic guitar work and more great drum fills and percussion all over it. The electric guitar parts are perfection and the rhythm section is laying down one smooth, funky groove and don’t overlook the piano work that accents the song perfectly adding the right amount of texture.

“Love’s Desire” picks up the tempo and is probably one of the most radio friendly songs on the album. A chorus that will instantly having you singing a long. I really do like Bonser’s vocals as they are so rock & roll. This is classic rock at its core and that guitar solo is so disjointed and sloppy and fuzzy, yet it works with the song. How? I don’t know.

The organ introduces “New Land” and you think you are going to church, but it quickly goes a little psychedelic and bluesy with Bonser’s soaring vocals. More fuzzy guitars, but a lot of organ making me want to pull out some Jon Lord music to hear him play. Midway, they go all proggy and whip out the flute and jam away. Ian Anderson would be proud. They go back to the bluesy, psychedelic vibes to wrap up the song. No catchy chorus, but they all don’t need that. However, you are taken on a musical ride that keeps things interesting.

“Now I’m Sad” has more organ work and then this riff that goes on and on and on throughout the song. It becomes monotonous and a little irritating. Also, the vocals on this one are run through a can or something, not liking that effect. The rest of the song is good, I just can’t get past that riff and vocal styling. Ugh!

Things get more lively with “Give Me Love”. This things feels more like Deep Purple with some great guitar work, catchy chorus and great keyboard work. It is a straight-up rocker and feels so 70’s, I love it. A perfect track to close out Side 1 to make me want to flip over to Side 2.

SIDE 2:

“Quabala” opens Side Two and it is an instrumental. It is groovy, trippy and a little out there. However, it is a cool ride that keeps your ears fully engrossed in everything going on from the organ, to the flute, to the drums, the keys, the bass and all parts in between. I bet this song would really soar if I hitting some acid right now. Hmmm….no, I won’t do it.

The psychedelic vibes are in full force with “Oh Mariya”. It starts off like it is going to be this atmospheric track, but quickly goes all heavy and rips you a new one. The guitars are fuzz toned and raging through some riffs. The backing vocals still give that angelic, euphoric feel that adds to the likability of this track. A true beast of a track.

“Your Life Will Burn” is a dark, menacing track that races at 100 mph. The organ and guitars feel like they are racing to see who get to the end of the song first. This is one has more a feel with the occult and Sabbathy things you were expecting.

“I Was Fooling” will throw you for a loop as the band goes all Beatles on us. This slow tempo, psychedelic, trippy piece is out of left field and not totally unwelcome. It keeps you on your toes with not knowing what will come next. Is it good, depends on what you like. It definitely feels out of place here. But…it ain’t half bad either. Oh yeah, a lot more flute here too if you like that sort of thing.

Thankfully, back to the bluesy, hard rock with “Before My Eyes Go Blind”. This is more of the rock we’ve heard so far on the album. A mix of heavy riffs, great drums and bass with a trippy vocal sound with more effects added to it. A welcome track after “I Was Fooling”…at least for me.

The final track, “Rolling Thunder”, is another rocking track with some boogie type piano. The band is going full tilt and giving it their all. Another classic 70’s rock sounding track that is more of what I like from the band and a nice closing track.

And there you have it. ‘Zior’ as an album is a little all over the place and not as heavy as I was expecting. However, it is a solid, classic 70’s sounding rock album. A few songs have really catchy choruses, if you like that, and others are more trippy, psychedelic sounding. You get fuzz guitars, organ and even some flute. It might not be a perfect album, but for me it was an enjoyable listen that took back to time where bands had no real rules and could try anything. Some would work and some would not. For me, I really enjoy this album a lot. Yeah, I don’t like everything, but what I do keeps me rocking from beginning to end. One of those albums I can escape in and get lost. My Overall Score is a 4.0 out of 5.0 Stars.

I have to admit, I like this going outside my comfort zone. The stuff I grew up with I have been listening to for 40+ years, it is time to branch out and find these little cult classics that were overlooked back in the day. Not because they weren’t good, but because there was so much out there that didn’t go mainstream. Sometimes, non-mainstream is what the doctor ordered.