There's something about music that has never seen the light of day. Such is the case with Medusa's First Step Beyond, a never before released metal album from the depths of 1970s Chicago. This conflagration of Sabbath, Hawkwind, and Amon Duul II has sat on reel to reel tape since it was recorded and produced by the band in their drummer's basement in 1975. Although it's a product of its time, the record is definitely a hidden gem in the pantheon of hard rocking music. The songs are stretched to their limit with extended, stony jams. Guitar solos reign supreme over vocals while everything else is shrouded in a cloud of stale pot smoke. Numero has done a proper tribute to this forgotten piece of metal history. The LP comes housed in a cushy mock-velvet and is screened in blood red and gold, with art directed from the band's elaborate original stage props and artwork. This album is a must for any fan of the metal of the 70s.

• music label: Numero Group 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2013