In Hearing Of - ATOMIC ROOSTER***

Breakthrough/Break The Ice/Decision Indecision/A Spoonful Of Bromide/Black Snake/Head In The Sky/The Rock/The Price

In Hearing was the final album of the British heavy rock group Atomic Rooster to chart. It features a new vocalist which led to some friction and afterwards there would be several changes of personnel. (US:167 UK:18)

“With great heavy-prog tunes like Breakthrough, Break The Ice and The Price dotted throughout, In Hearing Of is one of those albums that deserves wider recognition by fans of 70s rock. It's well paced, doesn't outstay its welcome, and despite it's tortured genesis, the musicianship is top-notch throughout.”

“Not as dark or morbid as the previous Death Walks Behind You, In Hearing Of feels a bit more spry, lively and lightweight in comparison. Still, this one rocks mightily for the most part, with the band possibly shooting for a more sophisticated sound.”

“In Hearing Of is a bit too inconsistent compared to their previous LP. There are some really good songs here but also one or two that are a bit more mediocre prog pieces. Black Snake and the following Head In The Sky are probably my favourite songs here and the biggest standout tracks.”

“This album, together with Rooster’s first two releases, can be considered a milestone in early 70s progressive hard rock. There isn’t any really weak track on here and songs like Breakthrough or The Rock have become all-time classics. Overall their sound is a bit less heavy than previously, but the more quiet tracks show very well the group’s musical potential.”

“In Hearing Of is a utterly scintillating slab of 70s proto-metal/heavy prog. The pairing of John DuCan's wailing guitars and Vince Crane's swirling, stabbing keyboards are, as usual, simply devastating.”

“A hard rock sensibility is once again mixed with progressive-tinged arrangements to create a sound that is best labelled as heavy prog. The keyboard playing of Vincent Crane is as magnificent as ever, making the album another absolute must for lovers of organ-driven rock. This may be a slightly less brooding record than its predecessor, yet what this album lacks in atmosphere it more than makes up for with the band's strongest set of melodies.”