Sorcery is a hard rock/heavy
metal band from sunny Los Angeles, California that was formed in 1975. Back in
the day, they used a pretty cool and elaborate gimmick when they played live: They
had two professional magicians who used magic illusions on stage while battling
each other as Merlin and Satan. This was a band who put on very visual and theatrical
shows in the same vein as KISS and Alice Cooper. Sorcery didn’t rely solely on
the strength of their intricate visuals, no sir! These guys came on the scene
with a stunning debut album that served as the soundtrack to a 1978 mockumentary
musical/action film titled Stunt Rock.
It was made as a showcase for Australian stuntman Grant Page and the band got
to perform a handful of the soundtrack’s songs in the film. You can watch the
whole movie in HD for free on YouTube and it’s actually a lot of fun. Heavy
rock label RidingEasy Records has just reissued the original Stunt Rock soundtrack as a digital
release and a vinyl release will follow in early 2023.
How had I never heard of this
band before? Until about two months ago when RidingEasy Records announced this
release, I had no clue who Sorcery were. I consider myself quite knowledgeable
when it comes to ‘70s and ‘80s rock/metal and for whatever reason, this band (and
movie, for that matter) fell through the cracks and I never stumbled across
their music. Let me just preface this review by saying that after many listens,
this album is truly one of the best rock albums of the ‘70s. And that’s not
recency bias talking, it’s really a phenomenal record. The best way to describe
Sorcery is a perfect combination of everything that is great about KISS, Led
Zep, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper and even Twisted Sister. Lead singer Greg Magie
sounds like Rush’s Geddy Lee (in his early days) at times. What’s not to like? And,
man, these guys can play! Why isn’t this band more well-known? The rest of their
discography isn’t on par with their debut from what I’ve sampled on YouTube,
but they should at least have left a strong impression with Stunt Rock for it to transcend the
decades. Anyhow, the important thing is that this album is now getting a second
wind and hopefully it finally gets the spotlight it deserves.
The album opener is a total
banger, classic rock in the tradition of Led Zep’s “Rock and Roll”. It’s
followed by “Wizard’s Council”, one of my absolute favorite tracks on the
record. It’s an addictive occult rock tune that stays stuck in your head. “Talking
to the Devil” is reminiscent of Alice Cooper’s heyday—rollicking rock ‘n’ roll
with a killer guitar solo. “Burned Alive” is another occult rock gem and a fun sing-along
tune. “Book of Magic” has rhythm for days and another great guitar solo. “Stuntrocker”
is a Zeppelinesque title track of sorts and could as well have been something Twisted
Sister would have put out in the early ‘80s. “Mark of the Beast” is definitely
in my top three songs from Stunt Rock;
a bass-driven, KISS-sounding track. “The Bird Song” is a nice departure from
the rest of the rockers, a more gentle, acoustic number showing that the band
can do it all. “Wicked City” is a cool rocker with a catchy chorus and just an
all-around terrific song. “Woman” is an organ-driven, soulful rock tune channelling
Deep Purple with Robert Plant-inspired vocals. “Power Mad” closes the 11-song
set and it might just be my favorite song of the album. It’s a perfect example
of what classic ‘70s rock is. If I were to pick one track to introduce someone
to Sorcery, it’d be this one.
Sorcery’s Stunt Rock soundtrack has infinite replay value. It’s a shame it
isn’t already recognized as a must-have ‘70s classic rock album. Who knows,
maybe this reissue will introduce a whole new generation (and old farts like
me) to the magic of this band and give it its proper place in the pantheon of
rock. The band is back together and signed with RidingEasy Records and will be going
on tour shortly. Here’s hoping we get a new album from them. In the meantime,
pick up Stunt Rock as this is truly a
special record, folks. If you missed it in 1978, now’s your chance to give it a
spin and I guarantee you won’t be able to stop yourself from playing it again
and again.
Sorcery on Bandcamp: https://sorcerystuntrock.bandcamp.com/album/stunt-rock-soundtrack
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