When Wishbone Ash released their third album in 1972 it soon became clear that it was something rather special. Their previous albums had done reasonably well in the UK chart, but ‘Argus’ peaked at number three.

Wishbone Ash had already gained quite a following by the early seventies but ‘Argus’ suddenly attracted an even larger fan base. It is one of the most successful Prog Rock records that have ever been recorded and it went on to influence many new bands in the following years.

One of the things to set ‘Argus’ apart from other records of the time by similar artists is its overall sound. It was the first Rock album to have a distinctly medieval feel to it. Since then the ‘medieval’ sound has been used (very successfully) by many Rock and Metal groups. A good example is Metallica and the superb title track from their ‘Master of Puppets’.

Andy Powell and Ted Turner laid down some amazing guitar work on the album; stand-out tracks have to be, ‘Throw down the Sword’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘The King Will Come’. Anyone who appreciates good electric lead guitar will be in rapture when they listen to these! The quietest song on ‘Argus’ is ‘Leaf and Stream’. This is a beautiful and sombre piece that almost serves as an interlude between the frantic riffs and squeals of the louder tracks. The lyrics conjure up a feeling of contemplation and inner searching.

Many fans of Heavy Metal will have a prized copy of ‘Argus’ in their record collection. Bands such as Wishbone Ash injected a huge amount of imagination and energy into the Rock music scene and helped pave the way for new British Rock bands.

‘Argus’ can now be seen as Classic Rock or Vintage Metal and what a good vintage it is.

One last thing, I was talking with my friend the other week and he feels that in the recession lots of companies are turning towards team building activity london to inspire the employees. I am a little put off by how I feel about this, I mean it’s a nice notion but it is never going to stimulate people as much as a nice big bonus is it?