Year : 1976 (Rock Candy Remastered 2010)
Style : Melodic Progressive Rock , Pomp Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 96 mb
Bio:
Starcastle is a progressive rock band from Champaign, Illinois, USA, that was formed in 1969 under the name Pegasus. The band changed its name to Mad John Fever and finally to Starcastle. The band split up in 1987. Reformed in 1997 and active until 2007. Reformed again in 2018.The history of Starcastle goes back to 1968, when Steve Hagler (guitar), Mike Castlehorn (Drums) and Paul Tassler (bass guitar) formed ST. JAMES, a cover band that had some success playing in local pubs and bars. Soon after Herb Schildt joined the band and with a keyboardist they were ready for greater things, but tragedy hit them, Mike Castlehorn died in a car accident and was replaced by Steve Tassler.After years of practicing and writing new material, Starcastle released their eponymous debut in 1976, and even when they were cataloged as YES clones, the band was well received in USA and Canada.Despite having several lineup changes, Starcastle managed to release three more albums, "Fountains of Light" (1977), "Citadel" (1977) and the mainstream oriented "Real to Reel" in 1978, after that, the band disbanded, but had several reunions for short periods.In 2004 the band decided to make a tribute for Gary Strater who had pancreatic cancer since 2003. They performed together with Gary (this was his last performance with the band). Gary passed away a year later, but not before recording enough material for their last record called "Song of Times" that was released in 2007..
Album:
Rock Candy Records remastered & reloaded reissue of American prog / pompsters STARCASTLE first, self-titled debut album “Starcastle“.Fronted by former REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Lutrell, STARCASTLE was the American answer to English prog rock, and crafted a spectacular debut album pushing at the boundaries of the genre adding melody and pomp. Think Kansas, Styx, Yes for a close approximation of their complex yet easily accessible and melodic sound.No wonder that Boston apparently kicked them off a tour for upstaging them. Starcastle’s debut album boasts complex musicianship applied to evocative and melodic songs, all wrapped up in one of the most beautiful and imaginative album sleeves of the era.Certainly one of the greatest characteristics of the 1970s was the diversity of musical talent on offer. From proto metal through to punk rock all bases were covered, not least of all the establishment of progressive rock.From the giants of the genre such as Yes, ELP and Genesis through to a multitude of lesser known acts, progressive rock became, against all odds, a standard bearer of quality and class.Starcastle were a fitting addition to the progressive rock ranks. Based in Champaign, Illinois and formed from a couple of local acts, sporting improbable names such as Sea Daddy, St. James and Mad John Fever, the band overcame their geographical isolation by playing anywhere and everywhere, and attracting not only a fevered following but also the attention of label leviathans Epic Records.The album opens up with “Lady of the Lake”, complete with Steve Howe-like guitars and Rick Wakeman-like organ, you might think you’re listening to a lost Yes recording. The vocal harmonies, not to mention Luttrell’s vocals are very much like Yes. And that sound is obvious with songs like “Elliptical Seasons”, “Forces”, and “Sunfield”. “Sunfield” oddly reminds me of something off “Tormato”, although that album wouldn’t even see the light of day for two more years.“To the Fire Wind” has vocal harmonies in one passage that’s more American-like. There are also a couple instrumental pieces as well too.Definately underappreciated prog rock, but given the label this band was on (Epic Records), it could have been a lot worse. “Starcastle” sound & feels a lot like early Yes, however there’s some kind of Americanized touch listening to this debut album.Keyboards galore, analog sythns, moog, etc, all that magic paraphernalia is present on this debut, an album that needed a proper remastering and Rock Candy did a great job.
Line Up:
Terry Luttrell – Lead vocals
Stephen Hagler – Guitars, vocals
Matthew Stewart – Guitars, vocals
Gary Strater – Bass guitar, Taurus pedals, vocals
Stephen Tassler – Drums, percussion, vocals
Herb Schildt – Synthesizers, organ, piano
Production:
Licensed From – Sony BMG Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd.
Engineered At – Golden Voice Studios
Mixed At – Sound Labs, Hollywood
Art Direction – Ed Lee
Design [Re-Issue] – Cürt Evans
Engineer – Norm Kinnev
Illustration – Alex Ebel
Management [Personal Direction] – Irv Zuckerman, Paul Tassler
Photography By – David Gulick
Producer, Engineer – Tommy Vicari
Remastered By – Jon Astley
Written-By – Starcastle
Tracklist:
01. Lady Of The Lake
02. Elliptical Seasons
03. Forces
04. Stargate
05. Sunfield
06. To The Fire Wind
07. Nova
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
