Hiya…
Well that was quick…arrived this morning!
I’ve played the album once so far…my initial impression?….REMARKABLE!
They say that the music that stays with you longest is the music of your teens…for me that was 1967-1977, peaking musically in 1970-1973. That was my golden era of music and ‘prog rock’ played a large part of that of course…Yes (Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge), Emerson Lake & Palmer (Tarkus, Pictures…, Brain Salad Surgery) and Rick Wakeman (Six Wives, Journey…, Myths & Legends).
Over the years I’ve listened to a lot of music that supposedly harked back to that time, some of it good, some not so and none of it really capturing the essence that was needed…to be honest, one of the few albums that got even close to creating something extraordinary was Ayreon with “Into The Electric Castle”.
Well done…with your album you’ve managed to exceed all expectations…the presentation, the concept, the song writing, the musical performance, the overall “feel”…wow…I’m approaching 70 and didn’t think I’d hear, or be delighted by, an album so reminiscent of the music of my youth, with an amazingly modern veneer that enhances rather than hides that essence of the past…
Will play it again later, but for now…thank you very much
From the dramatic opening you can tell you’re in for some surprises. The playing is great throughout, solid drumming, lots of melodic guitar-work and interesting synth lines and keyboard pads. I was also very impressed with the soundscapes that form a kind of backdrop for the album.
The narration puts me in mind of a few different albums, Jeff Wayne‘s, “War of the Worlds”, Rick Wakeman’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” and the lesser known sidelong epic “In Held ‘Twas In I” from Procol Harum’s second album, Shine On Brightly. But none of those can boast having a narration with a strong north Durham accent!
The song-writing is strong too, Restless River is one of my favourites, it has a hint of Genesis, mainly in the keyboards and a slight Pink Floyd vibe. Great chorus too.
Turn On the Lights is what I would call a great Prog Pop song, a very catchy chorus and superb double harmony guitar-work.
The moody, introspective Too Late has some nice touches, this song has, for me, the best vocal melody and performance. Very poignant.
The album finishes with the very upbeat Walker’s End, mainly instrumental, again with some excellent guitar playing.
It’s hard to believe that this is Gil Galad’s first album, it sounds like a band at the top of their game, mature and full of integrity.
Go on, have a listen, it’s well worth it.
New album coming late 2025
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New Album Progress Counter
This is the long awaited studio album from progressive rock outfit Gil Galad, formed in County Durham in 1979.
Inspired by John Walker, entrepreneur and chemist credited with the invention of the friction match, the album weaves a wonderful story of truth, myth and legend.
This limited edition CD launch version comes in beautifully presented packaging featuring original artwork with lyric booklet. Its a perfect intro to the band whilst you wait for the new album!
Special Promotion
Buy the studio album in CD format for £10 plus p&p and get the new EP “From Varna to Whitby” free to download.
(After your purchase we will send you a discount code to download the EP free of charge)
And don’t worry if you bought the CD earlier, we’ll be sending you a discount code for a free download very soon.
Click here to buy
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Gil Galad in conversation with Jerry Lucky from The Progressive Rock Files
Brand New EP – From Varna to Whitby, 3 track instrumental – £3.99
Download comes with all artwork & 8 page EP booklet, including an extract from The John Walker Imaginarium “The Coven”
Click here to buy
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A Record of the Unworldly and the Strange (Download) (Hi Resolution WAV format – 600Mb))
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A Record of the Unworldly and the Strange (Download) (MP3 version)
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CD – A Record of the Unworldly and the Strange
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CD – The John Walker Imaginarium – Time Shift Preorder Bundle UK AND EUROPE ONLY
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FREE – Download the original album artwork
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FREE Bonus EP – a blast from 1980: Download – MP3 version
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Gil Galad, the 80’s prog rock band from Durham UK are back.
1979. Ford Cortina, Vauxhall Viva and an Austin Maxi. Flared jeans, long hair, velvet jackets…
Filled with the exuberance of youth, a bunch of students in the City of Durham were drawn together through their love of songs that were longer than the average lifespan of a small horse and carried more time-shifts than a series of Dr Who. Fortified by beer, Salutation burgers and Colpitts toasties, they forged a sound in a bid to take over the world…
But the world is a big place…and as they drifted off in different directions to explore the fruits of the planet, the sound lay dormant… until one day… 40 years later…
The wonders of modern science unearthed the invisible, ethereal chord that bound them in brotherhood forever. And by means of digital fascination the sound was awakened once more.
A spark of an idea ignited the flame of creativity. Older, and with less hair and sensible slacks, plans were drawn. The story of John Walker, inventor of the friction match, acted as a catalyst for exploring time shifts, parallel universes, steam punk avatars and the possibilities of endless worlds in the hope that we can make sense of our own.
Others have joined in our quest, our enthusiasm, our love and found themselves unable to leave as they too become one with the sound. This is neither the beginning… nor the end… merely a continuation…
Records of the Unworldly and the Strange
“An Ingenious Man”
The new Album takes as its starting theme, the historic truth of John Walker’s time in Stockton-on-Tees and his invention of the friction match. He is portrayed in our story as a complex and conflicted man, a man of ideas and insight beyond his time – an ingenious man!
And so, the idea developed… Many historical and literary figures emerged during Walker’s lifetime, characters seeming to possess a clarity of vision beyond the realms of many, moulding the future from steel, and iron and coal. Futures never before imagined brought to life by uncanny abilities…
Is this where the story starts?
Enjoy…
Gil Galad
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Pre-order - March sees the last opportunity for you to have YOUR NAME printed inside the CD artwork, a keepsake like no other.
Be Part of the Legacy. Pre-order now at www.gilgalad.uk - YOUR NAME will appear in the final CD publication (Pre-order by the end of March to secure)
Bonus Steampunk Portrait - When you Pre-order, send us a head-and-shoulders photo and we’ll return your image “steam-punked” - a custom portrait included in your pre-release package.
Here is how you can support us….
• Buy our last album - A Record of the Unworldly and the Strange - gilgalad.uk/product/cd-a-record-of-the-unworldly-and-the-strange-1st-edition/
Free EP Download. Grab the Varna to Whitby EP at no cost - use the code FREP! at checkout: gilgalad.uk/product/varna1/
• Stay Connected. Follow Gil Galad on Facebook for updates, releases, and behind the scenes news: www.facebook.com/gilgalad1981
To all of you who have already pre-ordered, it means the world to us and we hope others will follow…..
Get the latest Newsletter here.
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@@followers@@top fans
So we had a vocal session this morning tackled 3 different tracks and chatted about the final vocal track we still have to do…. ! Getting there, another productive morning… @top fans Gil Galad Paul Dobson NevWill Tobes Kev Stevens
www.gilgalad.uk
So progkast is playing “I am the fire” - from A Rocord of the Unworldly and the Strange. Fast forward to the last track of the show 58 minutes ish … Gil Galad@top fansPaul DobsonNevWill TobesKev Stevens
What a fantastic book… @top fansPaul Dobson NevWill Tobes Kev Stevens www.gilgalad.uk
We are featured on the next Strange Brew Show, this saturday 5pm UK time www.voodooradio.online … would be great if a few of you tuned in Gil Galad @top fans NevWill Tobes Kev Stevens Paul Dobson
So it’s official I’m hopeless as I forgot to take some photos this morning… we had a short session and got the vocals cracked for track 10 “Before Today is Yesterday” … well done NevWill Tobes Kev Stevens @top fans Gil Galad Paul Dobson
Setting up for vocal recording session tomorrow morning…. Just a couple of hours with NevWill Tobes to get back into finishing off the new Album… “The John Walker Imaginarium- Time Shift” Kev Stevens Gil Galad @top fans www.gilgalad.uk
@top fans
Gil Galad — A Record of the Unworldly and the Strange
Limited Edition CD — Only £10 + P&P gilgalad.uk/product/cd-a-record-of-the-unworldly-and-the-strange-1st-edition/
Get the physical limited‑edition CD and receive the EP download free of charge, plus an instant album download code to enjoy while you wait for your CD to arrive.
What you get
Limited‑edition CD (first pressing)
Free EP download included
Instant album download code sent immediately
Praise
“Utterly mesmerized by the storytelling and music—what an experience! The narration evokes the haunting drama of War of the Worlds… a sonic journey that demands headphones. If this is just the beginning, we’re in for something extraordinary. Bravo!”
Why buy
This is for listeners who love immersive storytelling, layered soundscapes, and a touch of the uncanny. Perfect for collectors, late‑night headphone sessions, and anyone who wants something different on their shelf.
How to order - gilgalad.uk/product/cd-a-record-of-the-unworldly-and-the-strange-1st-edition/ - visit our online store to purchase. Your instant download code will be emailed as soon as you order.
Act now — limited stock available.
#gilgalad Gil Galad #newmusic #limitededition #steampunk #audiobook #indiemusic Paul Dobson NevWill Tobes Kev Stevens PROG Vibes Progrock.com PROG ProgRock Prog Radio
🎩 Pre-Orders Still Open!
Step into the world of The John Walker Imaginarium – Time Shift, the bold new album from Gil Galad. 14 tracks. Nearly 80 minutes of cinematic Prog Rock. Reality bends. Time shifts. The journey begins.
💿 Be Part of the Legacy
Pre-order now at www.gilgalad.uk still time to have YOUR name printed inside the CD artwork — a keepsake like no other.
🕰️ Bonus Steampunk Portrait
Send us a head-and-shoulders photo and we’ll return your image “steam-punked” — a custom portrait included in your pre-release package.
⚙️ Don’t miss your chance to be immortalised in Gil Galad’s most ambitious release yet.
This is a journey, not just a playlist
• Physical ownership CD you wont regret the purchase and you will be the first to get download options too
• Limited availability first pressings matter!
#newalbum #newmusic #newrelease @followers @top fans Gil Galad Paul Dobson NevWill Tobes Kev Stevens
Big thanks to
Claire Barnes, Billy Surgeoner, Ian D Wilson, Kevin Cain
for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!
So today is dust and tidy studio. While listening to Iona “The Book Of Kells” Dave Bainbridge…. makes the job doable!
@top fans Gil Galad