Armageddon is just one of those bands where you wish that so much more could have happened with their career. They flamed out early, due to drugs and terrible relations with their management, though a reunion was later impossible due to the untimely death of their lead singer, the former front man of the Yardbirds, Keith Relf.
What they left behind is a surprisingly direct early mix of heavy rock and psych contained in their only album ever released, this, their self-titled debut. They only ever played two shows as well and those that were there must feel very fortunate indeed. The line-up was full of talented, seasoned players and even with only one studio release, its easy to see that they could have been something impressive - especially in '74, close to the birth of heavy metal. There are some really good, crushing tones on this record, even in the acoustic strains of 'Silver Tightrope'. They were powerful and driving, especially on the cut one/side one track of 'Buzzard' and the side one closer, 'Paths And Planes And Future Gains'. The did venture into somewhat of a prog tone on the side two closer, 'Basking In The White Of The Midnight Sun', especially with its four-part construction, but its certainly more of a stoner vibe than anything else.
Musically, they are not here to impress with any super-crazy solos or wild vocals, but they stay focused on making a powerful heavy rock record. There is a lot of wah-wah, but its not over used and certainly compliments the long passages in 'Basking'. It's a tremendous first record and quite a powerful statement from such a short-lived band.
