Population II - RANDY HOLDEN***

Guitar Song/Fruit & Iceburgs/Between Time/Fruit & Iceburgs (Conclusion)/Blue My Mind/Keeper Of My Flame

Population II was the sole 1970s release from the heavy metal guitarist Randy Holden. He had previously been in the US hard rock band Blue Cheer and was known for his experimentation with distortion and feedback.

“If you're at all into old school heavy rock/metal, you've probably heard whispered rumours about this record. Over the years, the album's reputation as a truly demented slice of acid-fried, mega-watt guitar mayhem has grown beyond all and any reasonable manner.”

“Although there is no such thing as too much distortion on a psychedelic album, the leads can become grating way too easily (as in Guitar Song). The vocals are nothing to write home about, and the drumming is too lazy considering the energy that the guitar emanates. It is basically a feel-good album with Holden going bonkers on the guitar and coaxing some heavy duty riffs.”

“For fans of loud, bluesy guitar and screaming gruff vocals with pounding 4/4 rhythms, then here you go. None of that art school stuff here, just blitzed out hard rock - one style, all the time.”

“This album has to be the source of the ‘just turn the amps to 11’ gag. So uncompromising, it was bound to be a cult classic, and it was.”

“This is most probably the heaviest album that had ever been recorded up to that date. It's ultra heavy, power-trio style hard rock, even though it's pretty much just Holden handling the whole show, except for the drums. A highly consistent and extraordinarily good record, essential for any fan of the genre.”

“Recorded after he left Blue Cheer, Population II is simply a hard rock guitar lovers dream. The album's essentially a one man show with Holden producing, writing all of the material, handling lead vocals, as well playing most of the instruments except drums. The emphasis is clearly on guitar, and anyone looking for musical subtlety need not bother.”

“This is a blues based early metal album laced with psychedelic influenced song writing. By modern standards, the pacing is slow, but the songs are extremely well structured with great hooks. Holden can also sing, and his vocals suit the material.”