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Glass Hammer officially began in 1992 when longtime friends Steve Babb and Fred Schendel began writing and recording the Tolkienesque concept album "Journey of the Dunadan". They released the album independently in 1993 and were amazed when several thousand copies were purchased through the internet, The QVC Shop At Home Network, several international distributors, and their own toll-free order number. Its success led to the construction of Sound Resources, a state-of-the-art recording studio where Glass Hammer albums (as well as albums by Somnambulist, Volare and others) are written and produced to this day. The stage was set for a successful career that now includes nine albums and an enthusiastic, world-wide fan base that numbers in the thousands. Glass Hammer’s musical output continues to grow in popularity around the world. The name "Glass Hammer" has become synonymous with high production standards, and epic storytelling realized through a bewildering array of musical styles, dominated by complex melodic progressive rock. Without a doubt, GH remain one of the most popular groups in the progressive rock genre.
Glass Hammer/Cor Cordium ....CD $13.99
Cor Cordium is Glass Hammer's 2011 follow-up to last year's highly acclaimed IF, an album which found its place in numerous Top 10 and Best of 2010 lists throughout the prog world. To keep the momentum going from last year's success, singer Jon Davison and guitarist Alan Shikoh return with Glass Hammer co-founders Steve Babb and Fred Schendel to create the band's fourteenth studio album. "We never set out to make IF Volume 2," reveals Babb. "But we are definitely heading in the same direction musically. Fans that loved IF are going to be equally excited about Cor Cordium." Featuring six tracks, including the highly addictive "Salvation Station," the epic-length "To Someone" and the climactic "She, A Lonely Tower;" art work and a 16 page full-color layout by artist Tom Kuhn and audiophile mastering by Bob Katz of Digital Domain.
Glass Hammer/If ....CD $13.99
Glass Hammer is back with a brand new lineup and an album of epic-length prog tracks. The 2010 release "IF" marks the band's return to classic symphonic-progressive rock; an album sure to please fans of the group's earlier releases Chronometree, Lex Rex and The Inconsolable Secret. Pipe organs, Hammond solos, Moogs, Mellotrons – all the trademark sounds are back in place. But "IF" is no simple rehashing of previous Glass Hammer efforts. With the addition of vocalist Jon Davison, jazz-rock guitarist Alan Shikoh and session drummer Randall Williams, Glass Hammer co-founders Steve Babb and Fred Schendel have "hit the reset button" and taken their music to an entirely new level. The sixty-six minute opus features six tracks, culminating in the twenty-four minute long "If The Sun," mastering by the legendary Bob Katz of Digital Domain, and stunning art-work by German designer Tom Kuhn.
Glass Hammer/Three Cheers for the Broken Heart ....CD $13.99
2009's release "Three Cheers For The Broken-Hearted" reveals a leaner, tighter Glass Hammer; with Steve Babb and Fred Schendel once more handling nearly all of the instrumentation and one hundred percent of the writing and production. Still, Glass Hammer alum Susie Bogdanowicz finds herself squarely in the spot light as the solo-vocalist on seven of the album's eleven tracks. From song to song, the dynamics are clear and present. "Three Cheers For The Broken-Hearted" features melancholy ballads, psychedelic influenced rockers and even head-banging metal tracks; all firmly based on the band's progressive rock style. While not a concept album in the traditional sense, the new album's lyrics still carry a theme throughout. The new release shows the more cynical, darker side of Glass Hammer – a band usually noted for its optimism. "It's still there," says GH co-founder Steve Babb. "But only revealed in places; certainly harder to find than in lyrics from earlier albums. But while this album has given us a needed break from the out-right storytelling we usually attempt, when taken as a whole, 'Three Cheers' starts in a pretty dark place, then gradually leads you back home again. Even without the time-honored concept, our fans will definitely still find themselves on a journey."
Glass Hammer/The Compilations ....CD $13.99
A rare collection of Glass Hammer music never before included on an official Glass Hammer recording. All tracks included on The Compilations, 1996 to 2004 either never made their way to an official album, were recorded for tribute albums, or were part of compilation projects that included many prog artists. Originally released in a card-board sleeve with a limited pressing of only 1,000 copies - "The Compilations" has been out-of-print for well over a year. Back in stock now (in a standard jewel-case), and timed to release along with the new studio album "Three Cheers For The Broken-Hearted," "The Compilations" is a must-have for fans of Glass Hammer. Featuring the twenty-one minute epic, "In The Court Of Alkinoos," a cover of the Camel classic "Air Born," and performances by former Glass Hammer members such as Walter Moore, David Carter along with Fred Schendel, Steve Babb, Susie Bogdanowicz and The Adonia String Trio; fans of symphonic prog will find plenty to enjoy on this re-release of "The Compilations." Includes Time Marches On (Live), Air Born, The Narrow Way, The Morning Song, Heroes and Dragons (Symphonic), In The Court Of Alkinoos, Bonus Track - Through The Glass Darkly (Live).
Glass Hammer/Live At The Tivoli ....DVD-NTSC region 0 $14.99
Glass Hammer is currently known as the leading band in the American prog-rock scene, and one of the top symphonic-progressive rock groups in the world, with nine studio albums, one live album (Live At NEARfest), and one DVD (Lex Live). They have dabbled in music inspired by Tolkiens beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy (The Middle-Earth Album), much to the delight of Tolkien fans and scholars around the world. But they are first and foremost a progressive-rock band in the tradition of 70s giants YES, ELP, Genesis, and Kansas. The GH sound is built around the keyboards, virtuoso guitar playing, a solid rhythm section, and a unique vocal style that their fanatical fan base has named the 'multi-vox.' Often employing choirs and pipe organs, Glass Hammers sound is unique within the world of prog. GH albums are known for their stunning production, thought-provoking lyrics, big concepts and soul stirring melodies. Live At The Tivoli was compiled from 2 concerts performed on October 17th, 2006. After the Belmont concert, full string scores were added to each song, and new choral arrangements were composed - the results are to be seen and heard along with previously unreleased material on Live At The Tivoli. Running Time: 142 Min. Digital Sound, 5.1 Surround Sound. NTSC Regional Code: All.
Glass Hammer/Culture of Ascent ....CD $13.99
(excerpt from 'Life by Light')
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"Culture of Ascent" takes Glass Hammer into new territory. The performances of French guitar-virtuoso David "Shreddy" Wallimann proves the perfect marriage for the highly technical, prog-metal drumming of Matt Mendians; giving "Culture of Ascent" a modern edginess - something unusual for a band well known for its mastery of analog gear and seventies proginess. But GH hasn't forgotten its classic pro-roots as YES frontman and Glass Hammer collaborator Jon Anderson makes his debut performance with the band on two of the album's tracks. The lyrics of "Culture of Ascent" are based in part on the best selling Jon Krakauer novel, "Into Thin Air," which tells first hand of the historical 1996 Mount Everest tragedy. GH still has their optimism intact, however, as their new music evokes images of Everest's magesty as well as its many perils. The album's six epic tracks, including a new rendition of the Yes classic, 'South Side of the Sky,' total over sixty-nine minutes. Glass Hammer's tenth release is a must-buy for fans, and sure to be a hit with connoisseurs of modern progressive rock.
Glass Hammer/Live At Belmont ....double DVD $19.99
Featuring the 150 member Belmont University Choir, The Adonia Strings, and introducing David Wallimann on guitar. Filmed and recorded (8 cameras) in front of a packed house at Nashville's Massey Auditorium, Live At Belmont includes Heroes and Dragons, Run Lisette, Farewell to Shadowlands; and from The Inconsolable Secret, Long and Long Ago, Having Caught A Glimpse, The Knight of the North and more of course! All in glorious 5.1 Surround Sound! Also included are behind-the-scenes video footage, rehearsal footage, a slideshow with commentary, and much more. In all, Live at Belmont provides over 250 minutes of content.
Glass Hammer/Lex Live ....DVD (NTSC Region 0) $17.99
"Lex Live" showcases Glass Hammer's legendary 8-piece NEARfest 2003 lineup featuring Steve Babb, Fred Schendel, Walter Moore, Matt Mendians and Susie Bogdanowicz. Glass Hammer's highly acclaimed "Lex Rex" album is performed in near-entirety, along with music from Chronometree and Perelandra. Prog fans will discover a high-energy concert, and an edgier incarnation of the band than GH studio albums reveal. Progressive-metal drummer Matt Mendians sees to that, as does front-man and guitarist Walter Moore. The keyboard sounds are as big as ever though, and prog-icon Fred Schendel delivers his greatest performance ever. Needless to say, the Hammond organ is dominant in the mix!
Glass Hammer/Shadowlands ....CD $12.99
Shadowlands combines the legendary talents of prog-icons Steve Babb and Fred Schendel, the incredible vocals of Walter Moore and Susie Bogdanowicz, a half-million dollar pipe organ, a string section, an arsenal of analog gear, and all the magic that modern recording technology has to offer. Glass Hammer's Shadowlands delivers everything that modern progressive rock should be: the vintage sounds, the contemporary production, the epic style. Once more the Hammond screams and the Moog soars! Prog is alive and well; Shadowlands is proof. The five tracks on this almost 60 minute CD include the epic (twenty minutes) Behind the Great Beyond. And for those of you who love such great progressive reconstructions as Yes' version of Paul Simon's America, wait till you hear Glass Hammer's new 10 minute arrangement of a Dan Fogelberg classic!
Glass Hammer/Lex Rex ....CD $12.99
Screaming Hammond and Moog solos by one of the top progressive rock keyboardists, soaring steel guitar leads, lush beds of Mellotrons, mandolins and acoustic guitars, soaring sopranos, vocals rich with complex harmonies and counterpoint, that signature crunching bass guitar, swirling analog synth leads awash in echo, the grandeur and pomp of the pipe organ -- all that and more are present on Glass Hammer's seventh release, LEX REX. "A tale of the ancient world ..." The band who helped revive the concept album has another story to equal its sound. LEX REX tells the tale of a Roman soldier, beset by ancient gods and goddesses, lured on a quest for something unattainable -- something powerful and tantalizing. He calls it glory, and he searches for its source. His quest leads him from barbaric battles in the frozen forests of ancient Europe, to the demon-haunted temples of Rome, even into the arms of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. But that is just part one of the epic tale! "A musical extravaganza ..." Fans have come to expect the unexpected from GH, but LEX REX dishes up the very best that the progressive rock genre has to offer. "Through the years we've experimented with a number of styles and sounds," says GH bassist / keyboardist Steve Babb. "But I think this is the sound we've been searching for all along. We've certainly never felt this good about a finished album before."
Glass Hammer/Live and Revived ....CD $12.99
Back by popular demand - Glass Hammer's "LIVE AND REVIVED" "Live and Revived" is BACK IN PRINT! The third Glass Hammer release was a limited-edition run of 1000 copies. Featuring live rehearsal tracks from Perelandra and Journey of the Dunadan as well as unrecorded material from the period just after Journey was released, the album has an irreverent, carefree feel to it as well as featuring some scorching playing from all concerned. Due to an ever growing demand for its re-release, Live and Revived is back - and here to stay!
Glass Hammer/The Middle Earth Album ....CD $11.99
Glass Hammer's first album, Journey of the Dunadan, was a Tolkienesque rock opera of sorts, not intended as progressive rock, but embraced by progressive rock fans nonetheless. With the anticipation of Peter Jackson's New Line Cinema release based on Tolkien's Lord of the Rings many fans have requested a return to Middle Earth. Although working on a new progressive album to follow up Chronometree, Glass Hammer couldn't help but take this little side journey. The music can be described as Celtic, medieval and folk with just a touch of progressive leanings. A good deal of it was 'supposedly' recording in a Middle Earth tavern called The Prancing Pony! The rest of the album contains studio tracks of songs inspired by the Tolkien books. So come on down, have Barliman Butterbur serve you the finest ale in Middle Earth and join in the revelry!
Glass Hammer/Chronometree .....CD $11.99
Moogs and Hammonds and 'Trons -- Oh My!!! Glass Hammer's new album
Chronometree is vintage prog at its best. A concept album about a concept album!
Pretentious? Exactly!
a. "Remembering" -- Do you remember the first time
you heard a progressive rock album? Was it love at first listen, or did it take a little
time for the bug to bite?
b. "The Aliens" -- When it bit our friend Tom in
1979, it bit hard. And soon, Tom's love affair with prog raced far beyond the norm. In
fact, Tom listened so much that he began to hear things in the music that he couldn't
explain. Where we heard only Moogs and mellotrons, Tom heard voices from outer space --
voices of an Alien Race trying desperately to communicate.
c. "Chronogenesis" -- It soon became obvious to us
that Tom was no longer "Close to the Edge" -- he had gone over. But in spite of
our concerns, Tom kept listening. Slowly but surely the Alien Plan was made known to him
-- a plan that Tom called Chronometree.
Waitaminit!!! Is the new Glass Hammer album about me?
Or is it about you? I suspect a lot of us prog fans
will see a little bit of ourselves in this album and will have a hell of a great time in
the process!
Glass Hammer/On to Evermore ....CD $11.99
On to Evermore: The fourth epic Glass Hammer release features Walter on lead vocals for the first time, with the rest of the band in their usual sweeping, grandiose best. Impeccable production, a highly narrative storyline, and incredibly tight musicianship and songwriting make this one of the best Glass Hammer releases yet. The seventeen-minute epic "Arianna" has to be heard to be believed.
Glass Hammer/Perelandra ....CD $11.99
Perelandra: Glass Hammer's second disc (based loosely on C.S. Lewis's Narnia and "fairy tales for adults" series) showed even more maturity, a cooler musical tone, and long sweeping instrumental sections. Progressive rock dealer The Laser's Edge raved, "A strong sense of melody is a Glass Hammer trademark and it's present here in spades...This is a virtual demo disc for your sound system...one of the best progressive rock albums ever. Alan Parsons should be jealous." The Spanish magazine Lunar Suite wrote that "Glass Hammer possesses the clarity and positiveness of Yes, and the majesty of ELP. In order to live out a thousand magical experiences put it in your player, press play and let your imagination do the rest!"
Glass Hammer/Journey of the Dunadan ....CD $11.99
Journey of the Dunadan: (Now Back in Print!) The first release from Glass Hammer features an epic concept story based on Tolkien's Lord of the Rings stories, smooth production, impeccable musicianship and breathtaking solos. Harmony Magazine in France called it "...a melodic standard that is infallible, a masterpiece of technique that is amazing, a revolutionary approach...here it is ALL genius!"
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