BRAM STOKER - HEAVY ROCK SPECTACULAR [AKA: SCHIZO-POLTERGEIST] ( 1972 UK Prog Related ) Full Album

Bram Stoker biography Founded in Bournemouth, UK in 1969 - Disbanded in 1972 - Reformed in 2009 Edited from biography by Anthony Bronsdon in the Belle Antique reissue from 2014: The band BRAM STOKER was formed in Brighton, England, UK, in the summer of 1969 by Hammond organist Anthony Bronsdon, guitarist Peter Ballam and drummer Rob Haines who then recruited bass guitarist John Bavin, all of whom were based in their south coast home town of Bournemouth, England. In writing and composing their own material and experimenting with new musical styles, Bram stoker were choosing their own musical direction. Although the band was heavily influenced by the Gothic image, its music varied, and ultimately the band acquired the "Progressive-Classical-Rock-Gothic-Psychedelic Rock" label it is so famously identified by. Anthony Bronsdon's classical training is augmented by a formidable technique; his Hammond organ sound is majestic, biting and haunting. His stirring ability to integrate his classical interpretation into musical compositions written by himself and jointly with Pete and John, with drummer Rob Haines' driving rhythms, resulted in a wide variety of unique performances of Bram Stoker songs and instrumentals. Guitarist Pete Ballam encouraged an original approach and his antics on stage were spontaneous and unpredictable, his legendary "Doppler" (a spinning speaker cabinet) had to be seen - and heard - to be believed. Drummer Rob Haines and bassist John Bavin also embraced fresh ideas, providing an individual and creative approach to their role as the rhythm section of the band, whilst John's melodic themes and ethereal vocals were integral to the Bram Stoker sound. His musical and dextrous bass lines breathed life and weaved unity through every arrangement. Rob Haines applied his own ideas to Bram Stoker's symphonic style; his inimitable spinning cymbal emphasizes the mood of the song Poltergeist. Bram Stoker enjoyed a wonderful period of interest in the music industry during the period from 1969 through to 1972, and this is shown in the wake of their only release, Heavy Rock Spectacular, in 1972. (The album's first CD release in 1997 on Alcinous was retitled Schizo-Poltergeist and was given new artwork. Subsequent CD reissues have restored the original name and artwork.) Bram Stoker reformed in 2009. Original members Anthony Bronsdon and John Bavin were joined by a new guitarist and drummer. The new lineup transformed again prior to 2014, when Bronsdon teamed with Tony Lowe and Will Hack and released Cold Reading. [Todd] Tracks: 01. Born To Be Free (Pete Ballam) - 00:00 02. Ants (Anthony Bronsdon) - 03:55 03. Fast Decay (Bronsdon) - 07:41 04. Blitz (Bronsdon/Jon Bavin/Ballam) - 11:27 05. Idiot (Ballam) - 16:59 06. Fingals Cave (Bronsdon) - 21:25 07. Extensive Corrosion (Ballam) - 29:06 08. Poltergeist (Bronsdon/Bavin/Ballam) - 33:22 Personnel: - Tony (Anthony) Bronsdon - Hammond organ, vocals - Pete Ballam - guitar, vocals - Jon Bavin - bass, vocals - Rob Haines - drums