Highly underrated album. The Aerosol Grey Machine has its moments, but this is the real beginning of the band. Jackson wouldn't play this track for a friend while his children were present, thinking it would frighten them. That was probably a good call.
Banton/Jackson rule at the end 😂😂😂...The "hammer" refers to "Malleus Maleficarum" an ancient book about inquisition. This song is a masterpiece, really. And the vocals by Peter...wow...first class. This album is so underrated. Obviously H to He and Pawn Hearts are amazing too, but this is my favourite album by VDGG, Justin you'll not find a single weak moment, here.
You can actually download the whole treatise as a pdf file ! I did and it makes for very interesting reading. digirepo.nlm.nih.gov/ext/kirtasbse/9413083/PDF/9413083.pdf@@SubCapt
And by the way, Justin, let me say a thing it won't hurt you and I hope no one. The end of Starship Trooper has no point. I mean, what's it doing there? On the contrary, in White Hammer, it serves the purpose we can all hear and feel and almost see. The menace over the heads of the persecuted herbalists, "witches". I had to do say it. (I'm a Yes fan, don't worry, dear friends.)
Hi JP. Dave from London. Nice, cheery song about The Inquisition! I have mixed feeling about VdGG, but this is a great track. Hammill's voice is so right to convey the fear and menace; terrific (and terrifying) organ - so creepy and then so powerful at the end. And, wow, that screaming sax! More of that please. P.S. my song ref The Inquisition is by Colosseum II.
With all power and ferocious attack, they were only demonstrating the lighting flash of the van der graaf generator. This is indeed one of their most violent tracks, along with "Emperor (in his war room)" or - dropping the borders to Hammill solo - "Gog". Ah, and did I mention "Octopus"? 😅
''Gog'' is truly terrifying. I find ''Emperor'' quite pleasant but a scary one for me is ''Black room / the Tower'' When you think about it, most of VdGG's songs are either scary, terrifying or doom laden and are all the better for it.
Van Der Graaf Generator's only UK hit album, fact fans! And this is why...A song about torture and witchcraft! Scary noises that make you jump if you don't know they're coming! A discordant organ/saxophone punch-up to finish! Simon Cowell once wanted an X Factor winner to record a cover of this! (Actually, I made that last one up) This is bold, innovative rock that showed the fearlessness of early prog. Keep going with VdGG and there's plenty Peter Hammill that you haven't touched yet.
There was a moment when Van der Graaf Generator was the most important band in progressive rock, after King Crimson. They definitely sit alongside KC in the more aggressive, experimental side of prog. They can be thorny, abstract, and hard to get into. But when they're good they are REALLY good.
If anyone ever succeeds in wresting a movie from Lovecraft's CALL OF CTHULHU, the final section of WHITE HAMMER is the music I want to accompany the cataclysmic appearance of the title character at the climax. That said, the song is about "Witches' Hammer" (Latin Malleus Maleficarum), a book that supposedly enabled the church's Inquisition to root out witches.
Haven't heard this one in a while. I rarely play the album, the lyrics feel a bit ... juvenile. And I have a feeling Hammill isn't all too proud of them nowadays. But the cornet is exquisite, I had completely forgotten about it.
Was waiting to see your reaction to the outro, and you didn't dissapoint. I love this track, but I love the outro even more. Not just compares to starship trooper, it's much better in my humble opinion.
Yeah, just listen to Octopus! Just organ, bass and drums (and last but not least, voice) In fact, I keep telling people. Octopus preceeded 21th Century Schizoid Man (go check the release dates) in the history of most violent songs in rock. VdGG wins not only because of that: they didn't need to use electric guitar.
@@chrisogburn8240 Well, in fact, I'm telling it to very few people. But as 21st century came up with a rupture in the history of pop, let's not forget and dig in vdgg first album. I guess many know KC song but very few know Octopus. (did I get your question right? 😊)
I always interpretered the love (in white hammer) as Hammill being ironic. As Phil Ochs says about the us foreign policies and military coups: 'like it or not you will have to be free". Church and Christianity always meant love, or so those who, preached, practiced (in this case, executed is the right word) thought or intended.
The inquisition was a genocide. This was the church going after the Pagan religions of the time, and indiscriminately torturing and killing practitioners, mainly of herbal remedies, seasonal festivals, and harmless superstitions - all because they were independent thinkers and denied the authority of organized religion. This is what the song is an outcry against. Like most at the beginnings of prog, Hammill dabbled in Hermeticism, which is an authentic anti-authoritarian spiritual tradition, and is a cousin of witchcraft, and identifies with these oppressions. Same thing happened all through history to Pagan and Hermetic practitioners, from the Gnostics, to the Cathars, the burning of Giordano Bruno, etc. In the Bible, the ancient Israelites are commanded to cut down the sacred groves of the local Pagan Canaanites by the monotheistic prophets. You could even see the execution of Socrates in this light - the roots of Hermeticism go back to ancient Greece and beyond. Malleus Maleficarum is a hit piece against Paganism, and a torture manual - much like the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which propagated lies about the Jews that inflamed Nazi hatred of them.
Completely agree! Did you ever heard Atari Teenage Riot "Destroy 2000 Years of Culture"? (came to mind... Just saying) Book recommendation: Catherine Nixey "The Darkening Age"
Van der Graf Generator was an underrated band during the 1970s. I think that I only bought 1-2 records by this group. But on the other hand, there was so many other band during that era. I was more a fan of Nektar, and other bands.
I slated the last track, asked why we come back to these guys. This's why, for the most part. This's a great track, all playing good, but partic the organ, and especially the brass. When these guys are on point they can really nail it. That said, what a deadful outro. For 6mins 27secs, near perfection, then Arrrggg. I'd always cut it off at that point... And those lyrics, what a topic. Cos surely 'Nobody expects the Spanish Inqusition' 😀
Regarding the slightly cringey lyrics, I too felt this at first listen, but then I came to realise after listening to many other VdGG tracks that Peter has a cutting and playful sense of humour and sometimes this displays itself in gloriously camp and OTT lyrics eg. ''Killer'' and parts of ''Sleepwalker's''. Pure madcap genius.
@@neilparnell5712 I agree - I generally love Hammill’s lyrics and the way he walks the line between serious and camp - but I’ve never been able to get with this song. I think he was still finding his style on this album, and it just doesn't always work for me.
Highly underrated album. The Aerosol Grey Machine has its moments, but this is the real beginning of the band.
Jackson wouldn't play this track for a friend while his children were present, thinking it would frighten them. That was probably a good call.
Even after 50+ years, Jackson’s sax freak out at the end still sends shivers down my spine.
Banton/Jackson rule at the end 😂😂😂...The "hammer" refers to "Malleus Maleficarum" an ancient book about inquisition. This song is a masterpiece, really. And the vocals by Peter...wow...first class. This album is so underrated. Obviously H to He and Pawn Hearts are amazing too, but this is my favourite album by VDGG, Justin you'll not find a single weak moment, here.
Indeed, it was pretty much a witchhunting manual : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malleus_Maleficarum
You can actually download the whole treatise as a pdf file !
I did and it makes for very interesting reading.
digirepo.nlm.nih.gov/ext/kirtasbse/9413083/PDF/9413083.pdf@@SubCapt
digirepo.nlm.nih.gov/ext/kirtasbse/9413083/PDF/9413083.pdf
Download the pdf and have a read.@@SubCapt
I love how Jackson plays the saxophone imitating the screams of the tortured ones
The breakdown/outro is one of the heaviest things in classic prog; and in 1970 across all rock
Pure horror, in the best sense of the word.😱😈
And by the way, Justin, let me say a thing it won't hurt you and I hope no one.
The end of Starship Trooper has no point. I mean, what's it doing there?
On the contrary, in White Hammer, it serves the purpose we can all hear and feel and almost see. The menace over the heads of the persecuted herbalists, "witches".
I had to do say it.
(I'm a Yes fan, don't worry, dear friends.)
One of the best bands l have seen live british prog at its finest
That ending section can blow your speakers and frighten the neighbors. I love it. Wonder if they did this song live?
Hi JP. Dave from London. Nice, cheery song about The Inquisition! I have mixed feeling about VdGG, but this is a great track. Hammill's voice is so right to convey the fear and menace; terrific (and terrifying) organ - so creepy and then so powerful at the end. And, wow, that screaming sax! More of that please.
P.S. my song ref The Inquisition is by Colosseum II.
White arts refers to the good kjnd of magic, as in healing, medicine etc.
With all power and ferocious attack, they were only demonstrating the lighting flash of the van der graaf generator. This is indeed one of their most violent tracks, along with "Emperor (in his war room)" or - dropping the borders to Hammill solo - "Gog".
Ah, and did I mention "Octopus"? 😅
''Gog'' is truly terrifying.
I find ''Emperor'' quite pleasant but a scary one for me is ''Black room / the Tower''
When you think about it, most of VdGG's songs are either scary, terrifying or doom laden and are all the better for it.
The more you listen, the more this one grows on you
Van Der Graaf Generator's only UK hit album, fact fans! And this is why...A song about torture and witchcraft! Scary noises that make you jump if you don't know they're coming! A discordant organ/saxophone punch-up to finish! Simon Cowell once wanted an X Factor winner to record a cover of this! (Actually, I made that last one up) This is bold, innovative rock that showed the fearlessness of early prog. Keep going with VdGG and there's plenty Peter Hammill that you haven't touched yet.
More VDGG, keep it coming! 🔥🔥🔥
In his younger years Hammill actually was a practitioner of white magic.
Recorded way back in .......1969!
There was a moment when Van der Graaf Generator was the most important band in progressive rock, after King Crimson. They definitely sit alongside KC in the more aggressive, experimental side of prog. They can be thorny, abstract, and hard to get into. But when they're good they are REALLY good.
I Always Loved the 1971-72' King Crimson-like ending !!! 👍🎹🎷🎶
One of the Best VDGG songs!
I just realized now that this is a close following of Octopus. By the way Hammill screams, it reminded me of that epic.
If anyone ever succeeds in wresting a movie from Lovecraft's CALL OF CTHULHU, the final section of WHITE HAMMER is the music I want to accompany the cataclysmic appearance of the title character at the climax. That said, the song is about "Witches' Hammer" (Latin Malleus Maleficarum), a book that supposedly enabled the church's Inquisition to root out witches.
Excellent of course!
From their greatest album x
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.
Hahaha
Great under rated song from under rated album. 👍🏻
I was missing VDGG here. Fortunately we have about 20 excellents PH solo albums for you to react :)
VDGG is always amazing
Haven't heard this one in a while. I rarely play the album, the lyrics feel a bit ... juvenile. And I have a feeling Hammill isn't all too proud of them nowadays. But the cornet is exquisite, I had completely forgotten about it.
Was waiting to see your reaction to the outro, and you didn't dissapoint. I love this track, but I love the outro even more.
Not just compares to starship trooper, it's much better in my humble opinion.
Agree!
One of VDGD's best!
a hammer ? what hammer ? Peter Hammer !
Very cool song! I have tto get this one.
Don't just get the song, get the album. It's all great!
Once again the Heaviest bands to not really have much guitar.
Yeah, just listen to Octopus! Just organ, bass and drums (and last but not least, voice)
In fact, I keep telling people. Octopus preceeded 21th Century Schizoid Man (go check the release dates) in the history of most violent songs in rock.
VdGG wins not only because of that: they didn't need to use electric guitar.
@@Eduardo-Ferreira1982 question: who are you telling? Or what are they listening to?
@@chrisogburn8240
Well, in fact, I'm telling it to very few people. But as 21st century came up with a rupture in the history of pop, let's not forget and dig in vdgg first album. I guess many know KC song but very few know Octopus.
(did I get your question right? 😊)
I always interpretered the love (in white hammer) as Hammill being ironic. As Phil Ochs says about the us foreign policies and military coups: 'like it or not you will have to be free".
Church and Christianity always meant love, or so those who, preached, practiced (in this case, executed is the right word) thought or intended.
The inquisition was a genocide. This was the church going after the Pagan religions of the time, and indiscriminately torturing and killing practitioners, mainly of herbal remedies, seasonal festivals, and harmless superstitions - all because they were independent thinkers and denied the authority of organized religion. This is what the song is an outcry against. Like most at the beginnings of prog, Hammill dabbled in Hermeticism, which is an authentic anti-authoritarian spiritual tradition, and is a cousin of witchcraft, and identifies with these oppressions. Same thing happened all through history to Pagan and Hermetic practitioners, from the Gnostics, to the Cathars, the burning of Giordano Bruno, etc. In the Bible, the ancient Israelites are commanded to cut down the sacred groves of the local Pagan Canaanites by the monotheistic prophets. You could even see the execution of Socrates in this light - the roots of Hermeticism go back to ancient Greece and beyond. Malleus Maleficarum is a hit piece against Paganism, and a torture manual - much like the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which propagated lies about the Jews that inflamed Nazi hatred of them.
Great breakdown David!
Completely agree! Did you ever heard Atari Teenage Riot "Destroy 2000 Years of Culture"?
(came to mind... Just saying)
Book recommendation: Catherine Nixey "The Darkening Age"
Menacing and furious.
Van der Graf Generator was an underrated band during the 1970s. I think that I only bought 1-2 records by this group. But on the other hand, there was so many other band during that era. I was more a fan of Nektar, and other bands.
I like this - it's VdGG, how could I not? - but the lyrics always seemed too literal for me.
I slated the last track, asked why we come back to these guys. This's why, for the most part. This's a great track, all playing good, but partic the organ, and especially the brass. When these guys are on point they can really nail it. That said, what a deadful outro. For 6mins 27secs, near perfection, then Arrrggg. I'd always cut it off at that point... And those lyrics, what a topic. Cos surely 'Nobody expects the Spanish Inqusition' 😀
@@CAdams6398 Ditto :)
@@CAdams6398 I meant, loud and clear
"One of the cross beams has gone out-of-skew on the treadle" ?
@@lemming9984 Again! don't you hate it when that happens 🙂
@@CAdams6398 Always cool to see the Pythons referenced in comments. Something 90% of us can agree on!
Musically there's some cool stuff here, but I've always found it difficult to get past the cringeyness of the lyrics to fully enjoy this track.
Regarding the slightly cringey lyrics, I too felt this at first listen, but then I came to realise after listening to many other VdGG tracks that Peter has a cutting and playful sense of humour and sometimes this displays itself in gloriously camp and OTT lyrics eg. ''Killer'' and parts of ''Sleepwalker's''. Pure madcap genius.
@@neilparnell5712 I agree - I generally love Hammill’s lyrics and the way he walks the line between serious and camp - but I’ve never been able to get with this song. I think he was still finding his style on this album, and it just doesn't always work for me.
Yes, early days but a valiant attempt to be very different and he definitely succeeds with later efforts !@@sylvanm4216