valhalla

• Packaging: Gatefold sleeve

Valhalla is the sole album by the Long Island, New York group of the same name, originally released by United Artists in 1969. Dominated by Mark Mangold’s organ and piano, the record combines heavy psychedelic rock, blues-based guitar work and ambitious arrangements with the emerging progressive sound of the period.

The opening “Hard Times” establishes the group’s weighty approach through forceful Hammond organ, sharp guitar figures and powerful ensemble playing. “Conceit” and “I’m Not Askin’” continue in a tougher blues-rock direction, allowing Don Krantz’s guitar and Mangold’s keyboards to move between dense riffs and extended instrumental passages.

Valhalla were more varied than a straightforward heavy-rock group. “Ladies in Waiting” and “JBT” introduce more reflective textures, while “Heads Are Free” has a dark, organ-driven psychedelic character. The closing “Overseas Symphony” expands the group’s sound with orchestral elements, giving the album an unusually dramatic and cinematic conclusion.

The line-up consisted of Mark Mangold on keyboards and vocals, Don Krantz on guitar, Rick Ambrose on bass and vocals, Eddie Livingston on drums, and Bob Huling on percussion and vocals. Mangold later continued his keyboard-led musical direction with American Tears and subsequently became active as a songwriter and melodic-rock musician.

Although Valhalla disbanded without recording a second album, their only LP has developed a strong reputation among collectors of American heavy psychedelia and early progressive rock. This O-Music vinyl edition presents the complete ten-track album in a reproduction gatefold sleeve.

Track listing:

Side A

1. Hard Times – 4:24
2. Conceit – 4:38
3. Ladies in Waiting – 3:57
4. I'm Not Askin' – 6:10
5. Deacon – 4:16

Side B

1. Heads Are Free – 3:45
2. Roof Top Man – 4:04
3. JBT – 5:33
4. Conversation – 3:21
5. Overseas Symphony – 6:14