Fire of Unknown Origin was the second album produced by Martin Birch. It was originally going to be a soundtrack for the animated anthology movie Heavy Metal, but only one song was actually used. The album is certified Gold, and reached #24 in the US, and #29 in the UK.
Members:
Eric Bloom: lead vocals, guitar
Buck Dharma: lead guitar, vocals
Allen Lanier: keyboards
Joe Bouchard: bass, vocals
Albert Bouchard: drums, synthesizer, vocals
The Tracks:
- “Fire of Unknown Origin”: The title song was originally intended for Agents of Fortune, but was cut (the original version can be found on the 2017 compilation Rarities).” This song is about death. I like the bass and keyboards.
- “Burnin’ For You”: This was originally intended for Dharma’s solo album Flat Earth. Along with “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and “Godzilla”, it’s one of the band’s biggest singles. Dharma sings about running out of time. One of my favorite songs, and it has great guitar riffs.
- “Veteran of the Psychic Wars”: Another song written by Michael Moorcock, as part of his “Eternal Champion” experiment. This was the only song that appeared in Heavy Metal, despite not even being intended for it. This has a great eerie atmosphere thanks to Lanier’s keyboard.
- “Sole Survivor”: This song is about a survivor of nuclear war who had clairvoyance about it, but was unable to stop it. It continues the narrative of the previous song. The keyboards and bass are cool.
- “Heavy Metal: The Black and Silver”: This song was inspired by The Iron Sun: Crossing the Universe Through Black Holes by Adrian Berry. Nice effects on the guitar, and a good pounding rhythm. This one and ” Vengeance” were intended for Heavy Metal.
- “Vengeance (The Pact)”: This was going to be used for the “Taarna” section of Heavy Metal, and was originally named after the heroine. It’s a shame it wasn’t used. I like the rhythm and keyboards.
- “After Dark”: This is a song about vampires. I like the frantic bass, but I think this is the song I like the least.
- “Joan Crawford “: The title is in reference to the infamous actress Joan Crawford, who abused her adoptive daughter Christina, as told in her memoir Mommie Dearest (adapted into a movie starring Faye Dunaway as Joan). I wouldn’t recommend the movie if you had a terrible parent. The song depicts her as a zombie rising from the grave. The piano at the start is awesome.
- “Don’t Turn Your Back”: The final track is a song about paranoia. I like the keyboard and drums.
Final Verdict: Really enjoyed this album. Lots of great songs, despite the changes that were made.
Grade: A