Volcanic Rock (album)

Volcanic Rock is the second studio album by Australian proto-heavy metal band Buffalo, recorded and originally released in 1973 on the Vertigo label. The album was stylistically a much harder, heavier and rawer release than its predecessor (Dead Forever...) – marking a move away from the band's previous progressive rock influences, although retaining a psychedelic element to their sound. Volcanic Rock had been recorded effectively as a live-in-the-studio effort, with only vocal and additional guitar overdubs added later during the recording sessions.

Volcanic Rock
Studio album by
Buffalo
ReleasedAugust 1973
Recorded1973
StudioUnited Sound, Sydney
GenreHard rock, acid rock, heavy metal
Length37:35
LabelVertigo
Aztec Music
ProducerSpencer Lee
Buffalo chronology
Dead Forever...
(1972)		 Volcanic Rock
(1973)		 Buffalo
(1974)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]
I-94 Bar6/5[2]

The album courted controversy with its cover artwork upon its release. Illustrated by J. Phillip Thomas, the artwork was designed as a vertically opening gatefold cover, with the top half of the cover (i.e. the front cover) depicting an androgynous human standing atop a volcanic mountain holding up a phallus-shaped rock, whilst the lower half of the cover (i.e. rear cover) depicted the base of the mountain as the lower half of a female torso (viewed from the rear), menstruating molten lava. Inevitably, it led to accusations of misogyny towards the band and many record stores either refusing to stock or display the album on the shelves as a result.

Despite this, the album is regarded by both many fans and critics as the band's most musically accomplished effort and has subsequently become a much sought-after album by music collectors. The album was remastered and reissued in September 2005 by Australian record label Aztec Music on CD with additional tracks.

"Freedom" was covered by Screaming Trees as an unlisted B-side to their single "Butterfly" from Sweet Oblivion.

Track listing

All tracks written by Dave Tice and John Baxter, unless noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Sunrise (Come My Way)" 4:58
2."Freedom" 9:02
3."Till My Death" 5:37
4."The Prophet" 7:25
5."(i) Intro: Pound of Flesh^"(Baxter/Wells)4:35
6."(ii) Shylock^" 5:58
Total length:37:35

^ Single two-part track on original LP release, but were divided into two separate tracks on Aztec Music CD reissue

2005 Aztec Music Reissue Bonus Tracks
No.TitleLength
1."Sunrise (Come My Way) - Single Version"3:42
2."Shylock – (Live - Sydney Spring Festival 1973, Hyde Park, Sydney)"6:01

Personnel
  • Dave Tice – lead vocals
  • Peter Wells – bass
  • John Baxter – guitar
  • Jimmy Economou – drums
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References
  1. Rivadavia, Eduardo. Volcanic Rock at AllMusic
  2. I-94 Bar review
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