#Proto-Metal

[janwasopimeja]

Question:

(I Can See for Miles inspired Paul to do Helter Skelter)

[vinylarchavist]

Blue Öyster Cult’s debut album Blue Öyster Cult released in 1972 on Columbia Records. Let’s dive into the details of this album, focusing on the catalog number KC 31063, its significance for vinyl collectors

Album Overview

Title: Blue Öyster Cult

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult

Label: Columbia Records

Catalog Number: KC 31063

Release Year: 1972 (original release; KC 31063 may indicate a specific pressing or reissue)

Producers: Murray Krugman, Sandy Pearlman, David Lucas

Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic Rock

Length: ~36 minutes

Format: 12" Vinyl LP (stereo)

Clarifying the Catalog Number

The catalog number KC 31063 is associated with Columbia Records’ stereo LP release of Blue Öyster Cult’s debut album. Columbia used catalog prefixes like “C” (mono) and “KC” (stereo) in the early 1970s. The number C 31014 was the original mono catalog number, while KC 31063 typically denotes the stereo version of the same album, though some sources suggest it could also indicate a later pressing or regional variant (e.g., a Canadian or export pressing). Since your description of the cover art—doors in rooms under a starry sky through a circular frame—matches the debut album’s iconic Bill Gawlik design, KC 31063 is likely a stereo pressing of Blue Öyster Cult from 1972 or a closely related reissue.

Key points about KC 31063:

Original vs. Reissue: KC 31063 is generally tied to the 1972 stereo release, but Columbia’s cataloging practices mean it could also appear on early reissues (e.g., 1973–1975). Check the vinyl’s deadwax/runout etchings (e.g., “AL 31063” or “BL 31063”) to confirm if it’s a first pressing. First pressings often have “P” (Pitman plant) or “S” (Santa Maria plant) in the runout.

Label Design: Original 1972 pressings have the red Columbia label with “360 Sound Stereo” text and the “walking eye” logo. Later pressings may have a simpler red label with “Columbia” repeated around the edge.

Cover Art

The album’s cover, designed by Bill Gawlik, is a striking black-and-white illustration of arched doorways in a labyrinthine perspective, leading to the band’s hooked-cross logo under a starry sky, framed in a circular lens. This surreal, cosmic design perfectly matches your description and is a collector’s favorite for its bold, monochromatic aesthetic and occult undertones. The back cover typically features band photos, track credits, and liner notes by Sandy Pearlman, reinforcing the album’s mythic vibe.

Track Listing

The album includes 10 tracks, consistent across pressings:

Transmaniacon MC (4:15) – A biker anthem inspired by Altamont.

I’m on the Lamb but I Ain’t No Sheep (3:10) – Bluesy proto-metal, later reworked as “The Red & the Black.”

Then Came the Last Days of May (3:30) – A somber ballad about a fatal drug deal.

Stairway to the Stars (3:42) – Upbeat, cosmic rock.

Before the Kiss, a Redcap (4:56) – Bluesy with cryptic lyrics.

Screams (3:10) – Dark, keyboard-driven atmosphere.

She’s as Beautiful as a Foot (2:56) – Surreal, psychedelic oddity.

Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll (4:02) – Iconic proto-metal anthem.

Workshop of the Telescopes (4:00) – Sci-fi-themed with complex instrumentation.

Redeemed (4:00) – Melodic, optimistic closer.

Musical Style and Themes

Blue Öyster Cult blends raw hard rock, proto-metal, and psychedelic elements. Buck Dharma’s searing guitar leads, Eric Bloom’s commanding vocals, and Allen Lanier’s moody keyboards create a sound that’s heavy yet cerebral. Lyrically, the album explores dark and enigmatic themes—motorcycle gangs, cosmic mysteries, and surreal imagery—crafted by manager Sandy Pearlman and critic Richard Meltzer. Tracks like “Workshop of the Telescopes” hint at the band’s “Imaginos” mythology, a sci-fi narrative developed in later albums. The raw production captures their early live energy, distinct from the polished sound of later hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.”

Vinyl Collector Details

Significance of KC 31063: As a stereo pressing, KC 31063 is desirable for its fidelity compared to mono C 31014 pressings, which are rarer but less sought-after due to the era’s shift to stereo. The catalog number confirms it’s an early pressing, likely from 1972 or shortly after, making it collectible.

Condition and Value: On Discogs, original KC 31063 pressings in VG+ condition typically sell for $15–$40, with near-mint or sealed copies fetching $50–$120 (as of 2025). Prices depend on jacket condition (prone to ring wear) and vinyl quality. Check for matrix numbers (e.g., “AL 31063-1A”) and pressing plant marks in the runout to verify authenticity.

Rarities: Promotional copies with “Demonstration” stamps or white-label pressings are scarce and valuable. The hooked-cross logo, later controversial for resembling a swastika (though intended as an occult symbol), adds historical intrigue to early pressings.

Jacket and Inserts: Originals may include a lyric sheet or Columbia promotional insert. The jacket’s heavy cardboard is durable but susceptible to seam splits or corner dings.

Reissues: Later editions (e.g., Columbia PC 31063 or Friday Music’s 2016 180-gram vinyl) use different catalog numbers but retain the same artwork. KC 31063 is closer to the original release, enhancing its value.

Reception and Legacy

Released in January 1972, Blue Öyster Cult peaked at #172 on the Billboard 200, reflecting modest initial success. Critics lauded its raw energy and unique lyrical vision, though some noted its unevenness compared to later albums like Secret Treaties (1974). Over time, it’s been hailed as a proto-metal cornerstone, influencing bands like Metallica and earning praise for tracks like “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll,” a live staple. The album’s gritty sound and cosmic imagery make it a touchstone for 1970s hard rock collectors.

For Vinyl Collectors

Why Collect KC 31063: This pressing captures BÖC’s raw debut with iconic artwork and historical significance. Its stereo mix offers better dynamics for audiophiles, and the catalog number ties it to the original 1972 release cycle.

Where to Find: Check Discogs, eBay, or Reverb LP for KC 31063 listings. Local record stores or flea markets may have copies, but inspect for scratches or jacket wear. Amazon lists reissues, but originals are rarer.

Care Tips: Store in a polyethylene-lined sleeve to protect the jacket. Clean the vinyl with a carbon-fiber brush or professional solution to preserve the warm, analog sound of Columbia’s 1970s pressings.

Companion Albums: Pair with Tyranny and Mutation (1973, Columbia KC 32017) and Secret Treaties (1974, Columbia KC 32858) for BÖC’s early trilogy, all featuring Gawlik’s art and similar proto-metal vibes.

Connection to Your Query

The KC 31063 pressing aligns with your description of the cover art: Bill Gawlik’s design of arched doorways under a starry sky, framed in a circle, is unmistakable. If you’re referring to a different album (e.g., Imaginos or Secret Treaties, which reference starry skies lyrically but have different art), let me know. The catalog number confirms this is the debut, not a later release.

Additional Notes

If you have the physical LP, check the following to assess its value:

Runout Etchings: Look for “AL 31063” or “BL 31063” with suffixes like “-1A” or “-1B” to confirm a first pressing.

Label Condition: Ensure the red Columbia label is intact, with no writing or tears.

Jacket: Check for ring wear, seam splits, or fading, as the black-and-white art shows wear prominently.

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

THE MOTOR CITY BECOMES UNLEASHED IN EARLY '69 -- RAMPAGING THEIR WAY INTO THE BAY AREA.

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on a full-page ad for "Kick Out the Jams," the debut album by American rock band MC5 [MOTOR CITY 5], released in February 1969 by Elektra Records.

PIC #2: Concert poster design for the MC5, [utilizing the band's debut album cover art] for a string of live dates at the so-called "Straight Theater" in the Bay Area, CA, on March 14-16, 1969.

Sources: https://psychedelic-rocknroll.blogspot.com/2009/05/mc5-kick-out-jams-powerful-rocknroll-us.html & Poster Scene.

[bitter1stuff]

ON ROTATION:

[doomedandstoned]

HIGH REEPER’s Shane Trimble Talks to D&S Ahead of 3rd Full-Length Album

~Doomed & Stoned Interviews~

By Doob Solo

HIGH REEPER lead guitarist Shane Trimble meets with D&S contributor Doob Solo for an in-depth, lively interview with a bit of sarcasm, a few laughs between friends, and some unexpected show-and-tell.

Take a full one-hour ride from the 1970s to present-day to get the lowdown on High Reeper's earliest origins and on their new album Renewed by Death, including revelations about the band’s name, album artwork, and primary inspirations for their new songs.

In our favorite section of this interview, things get poetic when Doob spills her raw opinion of Renewed by Death while Shane listens and backs her on a vintage instrument. Curious? Watch and find out how it manifested!

High Reeper's fresh album Renewed by Death emerges October 4th on Heavy Psych Sounds Records.

SOME BUZZ

High Reeper is a heavy metal band from Delaware/Philadelphia. Shortly after forming in 2016, they were signed to Heavy Psych Sounds Records and have since released two full-length albums and one split EP. They supported their first two releases with almost 90 dates over three tours in Europe alone, including stops at HPS Fests Rome and Innsbruck, Desertfest Berlin and Antwerp, headlining their venue at Desertfest London, Esbjerg Fuzztival and many other killer shows abroad and in the US.

Originally with a sound deeply rooted in modern stoner metal while still giving a nod to classic heavy metal records, High Reeper’s sound has continued to evolve with each LP and through lineup changes. The result of which helped produce their upcoming 2024 full-length length which is a 35-minute assault of brand new metal that finds the band looking clearly forward while at the same time exploring their influences from the ''80s and early 90s.

Their third studio album 'Renewed By Death' (2024) will see the day in the fall on Heavy Psych Sounds. It was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Shane Trimble at the band’s brand new studio Sletner Sound, in Wilmington Delaware with Justin Di Pinto also engineering. The cover was done by Solomacello.

Follow The Band

Get Their Music

[guerrilla-operator]

[yolkbyte]

Rockman Remix - Enemies!

[arthistoryanimalia]

#MetalMonday:

Figurine of a mountain goat

Iranian, Proto Elamite, 3100-2750 BCE

Silver & sheet gold, 4 x 7 cm (1 9/16 x 2 3/4 in.)

On view at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

“This object is one of the earliest surviving Near Eastern sculptures in precious metal. The goat is made of silver and plated with gold on the face.

Incised lines illustrate the texture of the goat's hair and beard. One leg protrudes far from the body, two are held in close, and the last is only visible as an incised outline carefully etched into the figurine's underside.”

additional images via https://collections.mfa.org/objects/155898/mountain-goat

[maukiki1-but-cringefail]

i ordered this bad boy and during the agonizingly long amount of time it took to arrive i was thinking i wonder if she can hold up a bey? like if i could display a beyblade on her servos? well the awnser is yes and i think it looks raw as fuck

and heres a silly one ahgsisbwjesqhvexn looks like shes trying to pose with a short person😭😭

and heres a failed attempt😭

[jenitheneptunian]

Look what I added on my bike!

@quishyorgannet @unit-id-k725 @ghost-batter @kattozilla-blog @sundove88 @decaffeinated-heads

[hammill-goes-fogwalking]

front & back covers of Black Sabbath's self titled album (1970) and Zior's self titled album (1971)

[cafe-song]

[savage-kult-of-gorthaur]

CULT EARLY '70s HEAVY ROCK FOR REAL ONE'S ONLY -- RIGHT UP THERE WITH ZEP, THE SAB, PURPS, & THE ROOSTER.

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on CD package design for "Growers of Mushroom," the 1971 debut studio album by English hard rock band LEAF HOUND, remastered and re-released on CD by the UK's Repertoire Records in 2005.

EXTRA INFO: Consisting of all original material, it is the only album by the band's original line-up, and has been noted as pioneering the then burgeoning UK hard rock and heavy metal sounds. The album has also been hailed as a key component in the birth of stoner rock.

Source: www.discogs.com/release/3584137-Leaf-Hound-Growers-Of-Mushroom.

[decaffeinated-heads]

My brain's been microwaved

[airforcekitties001]

TEAR AT YOUR SEAMS TILL YOU'VE COME UNDONE

[music-is-my-life-man]

Lemmy 🤣