Firebrand ('67)



1967 Written by Peter Hammill in Derby, England.

Recordings:

1967 An early demo released in 2019 on The Aerosol Grey Machine 50th Anniversary box set
1967 Studio recording produced by Don Brewer
Releases:

1968 45" Single bw/People You Were Going To" (Polydor)

The Aerosol Grey Machine cd
The Aerosol Grey Machine cd
2008 "Spirit of Joy Tales from the Polydor Underground '67-'74"
2019 The Aerosol Grey Machine 50th Anniversary cd box set

Vocals: Peter Hammill
Chorus vocal: Judge Smith

"This is a fairly straightforward account of a phenomenon of dire omen which occurs in Icelandic mythology, the 'Witch-ride'. Here, the manifestation is in the saga of Njal, and the event which it foreshadows is the burning of Njal's house by his arch-enemy, with the owner and his family asleep inside. On this dastardly deed hangs the cycle of retribution and revenge which constitutes the saga. The screaming monologue of the Witch-rider is, amazingly enough, an exact translation, 'poison in the centre' and all!"

PH From Killers, Angels, Refugees ('74)