Warpig

In a bit or a surprise move, the newest archival reissue from Relapse is a Canadian psych/metal rarity from Canada — Woodstock, ON to be exact! Warpig were a heavy rock quartet formed somewhere in early 1969 out of the remnants of some local R&B/British invasion influenced groups. They took things to the next level, obviously influenced at least in formation by bands such as Deep Purple, the Crazy World of Arthur Brown and perhaps even Outside Inside-era Blue Cheer, and made a record that predates what bands like Blue Oyster Cult and even Radio Birdman went on to do. Led by guitarist/vocalist Rick Donmoyer, the quartet were an extremely talented bunch that apparently had enough material to record three complete albums but only ever got to release this one solitary slab. Somewhat similar in style to England’s Uriah Heep on this recording, the band rely heavily on fuzz guitar and organ on the heavy stuff, but they’re also not afraid to stretch out the arrangements into near progressive rock territory. "Rock Star” is eerily similar to Deep Purple’s "Fireball,” a song recorded later than this, which makes one wonder just how far distributed this album was when originally released on Canada’s Fonthill Records. Now immaculately remastered by Peter Moore (Cowboy Junkies), Warpig is an absolutely essential Canadian heavy rock rarity that fits well with the two Pentagram reissues Relapse has issued over the past five years. Word is the original band would like to take a stab at finishing their second album, started in 1973 for London Records but abandoned before its completion. If there is any justice in this world this will happen someday.