Cromagnon: The Band that Predicted the Future of Music

[@KingOFuh]

On May 29, 1960, the annual field day of the Boys Club at Cross Highway Athletic Field in Redding, CT was held. Cromagnon singer Austin Grasmere won the 60-yard dash for boys aged 9-11. In July, he played on the Bridgeport Little League team the Panthers. In August, he & brother David were in Boy Scout Troop 15 in Redding & attended Camp Mauwehu then & in July 1961. In June 1961, Austin & father Roy starred in Portrait in Black, presented by the Redding Players. Brian Elliot wrote Papa Don't Preach for Madonna & in 2004, ran for CT State Legislature as a Republican.

[@LongLiveRockAnRoll]

I don't know much about this band but had heard their song Caledonia. Pretty amazing to hear borderline Black Metal from 1969.

[@rangisweetman3662]

Yesssss dude, I have been waiting for someone to talk about this band for so long, and I’m so happy it was you to do it

[@ronniewall492]

LOOK AT MY POST

[@alaskawashere7037]

Same!

[@ildiavoloinildiavolo8680]

dude please have a look on KZbin at METAL GIRLS REACT TO PINK floyyd thanks good day

[@andrewcoltrane9850]

Amazing group!

[@nitrow8881]

Believe it or not my favorite Cromagnon music from their Orgasm album is 'First World of Bronze': the guitarist behind that song was way ahead of his time. Almost nobody was able to solo at the speed he executed. I didn't know people did that in the 60s. I thought it started in the 70s. That guitarist could've been a rockstar in the heavy metal or rock industry.

[@thor7564]

It's a tape run at double (or more) speed.

[@cablevamp3163]

Caledonia is one of the most amazing songs I’ve ever heard

[@thisisnotausernameXD]

Here I was saying Sonic Youth had more of an impact on the black metal sound than they are given credit for but never looked further back except for the obvious. It all makes more sense now.

[@Sanguivore]

It’s no mistake that Thurston Moore was in Twilight. And Sonic Youth was definitely one of the gateway bands that got me into black metal as a kid.

[@MasterFrag91]

Talk about a topic to find your channel with... Personally, for as long as I've known about them, Cromagnon, and Caledonia in particular, always felt like a band pre-empting the rise of Industrial music as a whole, 6 years before Throbbing Gristle created the term, and a full decade before bands like Test Dept appeared which used similar, stomping, march-like sounds and rhythms, with similarly esoteric and dark lyrics as many early industrial bands would end up with. I firmly believe that had they appeared in the late 70's or early 80's, they'd have fit right in with the Industrial movement, their shows would have ended up being almost like being at an early Einstürzende Neubauten show, as their ideas for being so chaotic that the shows would be banned for it would naturally end up in a similar place, the sounds of power tools, metal sheets slammed together, and the concept of "found instruments". No doubt they would have been VERY popular in Japan at the time. It's a shame, then, that they only got to be recognized for what they created decades later once the internet allowed for a massive proliferation of strange records like Orgasm, previously only known due to things like the Nurse with Wound list, which is also how I came to known them, as well. While personally, I think the only truly listenable track is Caledonia, the entire record is a very unique experience to behold, and anyone interested in obscure experimental music should absolutely listen to it at least once.

[@nedd.8479]

Very informative video. Cromagnon always seemed like a complete enigma, and it's good to know more about them.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thanks so much for watching! And yeah they’re definitely a unique case…

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

Incredible. What a story. Thank you so much for covering this

[@judeautenebrae5837]

Actually, there were a lot of bands making something akin to metal in 1969-1970 (before Sabbath). High Tide released their album "Sea Shanties" in 1969, and while some of the songs like "Walking Down their Outlooks" and "Pushed but Not Forgotten" had some lyrics that would probably still be controversial today (for example, one of their many lines about religion, "quoting every latest god who prostitutes advice for them to sell"), they weren't super different than other rock music at the time; however, "Futilist's Lament" and "Death Warmed Up" would probably count as metal by modern standards. Also, many bands such as Iron Claw, Fresh Blueberry Pancake (mainly with the song "Clown on a Rope", their others weren't nearly as heavy) Bulbous Creation, and Dark all started recording music around the time of Sabbath's first album. Iron Claw was heavily influenced by Sabbath because they had attended many of their concerts before they made it big (and I believe Alex Wilson, a member of Iron Claw, actually recorded one of Sabbath's shows in 1969, making it the first time they were ever recorded) and even performed a version of War Pigs with alternate, older lyrics a few months before it was released officially. As far as I'm aware, though, it's entirely possible that the others created their sounds individually. Sabbath definitely ensured that metal became popular, but it seems entirely possible and debatably even likely that it would have developed into something akin to its current form with or without them. I should also note that I've really gotten into proto-metal of this sort within the last few years, and I've listened to quite a few groups. Cromagnon is incredibly unique and probably the strangest among them.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Have heard of High Tide but I’ve got to check out the others! I say it in the vid of course but for me it’s the vocals on “Caledonia” that make it “metal” for me, compared to other proto-metal tracks. For example, Cactus’ cover of “Parchment Farm” is speedy as hell but doesn’t have aggressive vocals. Anyways, the transition from rock to metal is more of a spectrum when you start to dig deep, as you hinted at. Thanks so much for watching and dropping a line!

[@BSIII]

Iron Claw Skullcrusher is incredible. They also did the very first Sabbath cover as well. They covered War Pigs (actually the original Walpurgis) before it was even officially released.

[@almishti]

Just curious, but was the band Bulbous Creation also...fast? ;)

[@littlebritain64]

Lets face It: to me the first whole heavy metal record Is "In Rock" by Deep Purple, 1970. But I am HIGHLY impressed by some bands' songs here and there in the end of '60s by some obscure band's I met here on KZbin. And Caledonia Is one of these! Thanks for this very good video!

[@TheUrfster]

This is excellent! Thank you for this. You might be interested in Sweden's Parson Sounds work from 67/68. Early pioneers of experimental rock/metal

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thanks so much for the rec! I think that name rings a bell but I’ll go see!

[@ronniewall492]

SONGS OF THE SECOND MOON FROM 1956

[@HowardMoon56]

Man, you are making great content, I've been listening to these small bands from the 60's and early 70's half of my life, and finally I found a channel on YT who's doing documentaries on them, and in such a great quality too. I really hope you'd continue doing this, I watched all your videos in one sitting. Amazing stuff. Much love!

[@DissectingtheDisco]

That means the world to me, thanks so much for saying that! You pretty much described the aim of my channel right there, and I’m so happy it’s reaching an audience that enjoys learning about the kind of stuff I cover. Cheers!

[@HowardMoon56]

@@DissectingtheDisco Thank you for the respond, your channel deserves all the praise! If you don't mind me asking, do you plan a new video in a near future? I assume you make these videos for a hobby. Not gonna lie, it would be awesome to get a notification for a new video lol.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@HowardMoon56 Ask away! The channel is definitely just a hobby for now, so that’s why my output isn’t as high as I’d like it to be. But I’m almost done on the video I’m currently working on, so stay tuned for that. I’m so glad you’re hyped for the new one!

[@HowardMoon56]

@@DissectingtheDisco That's great news, can't wait!

[@alcatraz1018]

Top quality video as always. I completely forgot this band existed and I am pleased (disturbed, even) to revisit their music again.

[@IvanVarentsov]

Wow, what a great job by the guy(s) behind this video. So much passion and info about this obscure band

[@Sarajevo_1999]

Great material

[@axelazaryan]

Thank you very muuuuuuuuuch!!!! Toth Scribe I is a true masterpiece Love from Argentina PS: long live ESP-DISK!! "YOU NEVER HEARD SUCH SOUNDS IN YOUR LIFE"

[@jer-wzrokdZikisuknia]

Esta banda la escuche en el 2017!! mis amigos se sorprendieron al igual que yo de Caledonia 🤘😯

[@m0b5pawn94]

Been waiting for a video breaking these guys down for a long long time. Your production quality is unreal, man. You’re gonna blow up soon ✊

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! Hopefully the prophecy is true 😍

[@Brey]

Awesome vid. Never knew cromagnon asked for random people to make music. Makes me wonder if these random people took part in Caledonia or First World of Bronze (my favorites on the album)

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thanks so much for watching! Unfortunately a lot of the details of the recording process were a little foggy for Sal, who I interviewed for this project. I mean I don’t blame him, the album was recorded over 50 years ago! So we don’t really know where the random people are included. Could be anywhere on the LP! Ahaha

[@Brey]

@@DissectingtheDisco Ohh nice! I didn't notice you interviewed Salvador. I thought it was an interview that existed beforehand lol.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@Brey Most quotes were from an old interview but a lot of the information I had to confirm with him!

[@Brey]

@@DissectingtheDisco Glad you somehow got in contact with a band member in some way. Would've loved to hear from the members more but I know some of them are dead now.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@Brey For sure! From what I recall, Vinnie is the only other main member who’s still alive, and I wasn’t able to get ahold of him sadly.

[@Quicksilverfan69]

The vacuum bit reminds me of the Stooges' first concert in 1967 as The Psychedelic Stooges where they had a Hawaiian guitar and a vacuum as instruments for their group to form this avant-garde group. I would love to be a fly on the wall on both groups' experiments.

[@robmoon3061]

My band, They Fell In Glory, named our first album The Return to Caledonia. I don't need to say where we got it from

[@guillaumelaberge2706]

Amazing video! My fav youtuber

[@luisbooth7647]

absolutely the most underappreciated music channel on youtube ty for your work

[@DissectingtheDisco]

You’re too kind!!!

[@rf-cattleprod6207]

This is one of the best sounding YT vid's I've ever heard. Oh, thank Wyattxhim , he had a weird albums list, Cromagnon was mentioned, he had it linked and the algorithm had this suggested on that album.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thanks so much! I put a lot of time into the audio of my videos so I’m glad it comes through!

[@rf-cattleprod6207]

@@DissectingtheDisco Give yourself a pat on the back. Too bad only audiophiles and engineers will appreciate it.

[@brandobin]

really interesting band I'd never heard of. top notch editing too, may you receive many subs (Found this through your TikTok btw)

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate you coming out to check out my channel. Cheers!

[@synthzz9178]

I know the record since many years but I just received the silver gatefold edition among a big order at rotorelief, all the other 6 lps I bought from this label are reissues of 80s industrial lps or tapes of French bands and its not a surprise that the other only two bands from the 60s/70s on the label are Silver Apples and Sand. I bet everyone here is aware of Silver Apples beautiful experiments and if you don't know Sand's Golem, be prepared for the best krautrock album you didn't know.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

I’ve heard of Silver Apples, of course from the Bandsplaining video! Definitely have to check out Sand though.

[@axelazaryan]

Sand were amazing!

[@shawnbrucker1697]

Hope you make more videos man! Just discovered your channel and you've got some great stuff!

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Heyy thanks so much for watching!!! Got some stuff in the works :)

[@kareliask]

Incredible channel, thank you for your work.

[@Ice-Berg_]

Awesome video! Just found out about this band, its crazy what was happening with pop culture and music in ‘69

[@erskine7462]

Incredible doc you made about this super strange avant garde band that foreshadow so many elements. Congratulation for this great great video. Greetings from France.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Hey merci beaucoup! En fait je suis en Paris maintenant ahah, votre pays est très beau!

[@erskine7462]

@@DissectingtheDisco Super, j'espère que tu passes un bon séjour dans notre pays !

[@Vikernes-f9u]

see at METAL TEENS HEARING PINK FLOYD 1

[@ToastersChannel]

I had been obsessed with this band about 5 years ago. I'm surprised you find this much information on them! Good stuff! I hope you start uploading again you have so much potential!

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thank you so much! Yes, some digging was definitely needed for this - including many interviews with Sal. He was a huge help! New video coming in January!

[@Vikernes-f9u]

looking at METAL TEENS HEARING PINK FLOYD 1

[@theonlyone6468]

Magnificent video, mate! I love your videos and I'd love it, if you made another video bout a doors album. I'd say The Soft Parade since it's the most underrated one.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Oof not a bad suggestion! Love the Soft Parade, the title track is phenomenal!!! Will look more into this

[@IDK-bg5ww]

@@DissectingtheDisco yeah you sure as hell should even I'd love to see a video that you make about the soft parade

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@IDK-bg5ww Well now I may just need to buy a monk a lil’ lunch eh

[@IDK-bg5ww]

@@DissectingtheDisco I already can listen to the engines hum

[@kaalumutau5057]

@@DissectingtheDisco really hyped for the video

[@ethansloan]

Just watched your video on Budgie and instantly subscribed. You make some cool stuff. Here's hoping your channel blows up.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Thanks so much for dropping a line, Ethan! No way I was blowing up without you onboard 🔥

[@ReigningOnYourParade]

Interesting. Cheers.....

[@corinnacybele]

U should do a video on COMUS 👀

[@DissectingtheDisco]

I’ve always loved that album art!

[@corinnacybele]

@@DissectingtheDisco The story of their abandoned 2nd album has always fascinated me :) First Utterance is a masterpiece unto itself tho

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@corinnacybele I can’t find too much info about the second - what’s the scoop?

[@corinnacybele]

@@DissectingtheDisco kzbin.info/www/bejne/jorFf3uNmql9qcUsi=t3L2wI91BsKkv3Ak

[@guillaumelaberge2706]

Woww i didn’t know about them, their story is insane🤯🤯

[@DissectingtheDisco]

You’re huge

[@chadhenry961]

I’d say Caledonia is the first industrial song rather than the first metal song, in fact is a direct precursor to harsh 80s industrial groups like skinny puppy, who would in turn influence the dark atmosphere and harsh vocals of black metal

[@milunsimic4767]

very interesting

[@maplelafe7671]

Trust me People visting the Paradiso venue wouldnt be shocked by Cromagna.

[@jasonweinstock1282]

I have had their 1969 album on vinyl since about late 2006

[@opaljk4835]

There were a lot of wild records back then that were pretty damn weird and great. Cromagnons album is so killer though

[@johntait5141]

Yes!!!!!! Funny how Elliot looks like Syd.....

[@epaminondasprinarakis1133]

Well, that;s just an early Residents album. Just listen the lead vocal on Caledonia...!

[@куб-ы2о]

Id like to see video about Velvet underground. Yes, there a lot of info about them but I’ve noticed they only talk about their debut album. White light/white heat has one of the most magical, noisy and weird songs of all time

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Huh, interesting you say that! Any chance you dig a lil’ song called “Sister Ray”? 😳

[@куб-ы2о]

@@DissectingtheDiscoamazing song… lady godivas operation is also very… interesting 😮

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@куб-ы2о definitely way ahead of its time that one! As can be said about most of Lou’s lyrics I guess. Got a vid on “Sister Ray” cooking, stay tuned for that.

[@куб-ы2о]

@@DissectingtheDiscoI definitely will!

[@куб-ы2о]

@@DissectingtheDiscoI watched your new video, it’s amazing

[@Thereisnosky]

does anyone have the lyrics to Genitalia pls

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

If Heilung, Neubauten and Test Dept all took PCP together

[@wait-ing]

doc idea: Genesis P-Orridge and Psychic TV!!!!!

[@ronniewall492]

THE MEAT FROM TEXAS METAL BEFORE SABBATH

[@kennethnorman8079]

This band wasn't doing anything that different from label mates The Godz who made multiple records on ESP-Disk. "Contact High with The Godz" is 3 years earlier and just as demented. It's a sister record to the first Velvets record as far as what was happening in the NYC arts scene. Just as Thurston Moore the Third or Lord Byron Coley.

[@tmamone83]

I tried listening to "Orgasm," and while I loved "Caledonia," the rest of the album is basically some guy screaming while pounding on a drum.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Accurate take!

[@rays7805]

I think you overstate the case, about the music sounding like nothing else. What about Stockhausen? What about Zappa? Or even The Fugs? See? There they are. The Fugs.

[@kelechi_77]

This sounds nothing like the Fugs, what are you talking about? Also those other artists are just avant-garde, they sound nothing like Caledonia.

[@jasondesselles9168]

This band would have toured well with Carnivore 20 years later.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Carnivore/Cromagnon shred NYC to bits 🥵🙇🏻‍♂️

[@mookie2637]

Wasn't there also a hardcore band called Cromags? Or did I dream that?

[@DissectingtheDisco]

It was all a dream…

[@ronniewall492]

SORRY NOT FIRST. PARSONS SOUND THE ALBUM SONGS OF THE SECOND MOON FROM 1956.

[@almishti]

...going to find that on yt right now...

[@ronniewall492]

@@almishti I CAN SHOW YOU A LOT OF NAET STUFF

[@Bonzomachine]

@@ronniewall492 you know more of that stuff?

[@stephangraham8578]

Cro Magnon have the honor of being both the most influential band and the worst. No Cro-Magnon, no Swans or Controlled Bleeding or Ministry.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Ngl I dig your take aha.

[@stephangraham8578]

@@DissectingtheDisco And the Death Metal influence is truly there as well.

[@Vikernes-f9u]

@@stephangraham8578 watch at METAL TEENS HEARING PINK FLOYD 1

[@Vikernes-f9u]

@@DissectingtheDisco seeing at METAL TEENS HEARING PINK FLOYD 1

[@DissectingtheDisco]

@@Vikernes-f9u What’s it about?

[@Kniquolas]

Many say Black Sabbath created Heavy Metal, some say it was Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple created Heavy Metal, but in reality it was Cromagnon that Created Heavy Metal and were even a Progenitor of Black/Death Metal before it was created in the 80s, like how Black Sabbath were Progenitors of Stoner/Sludge Rock before its creation in the 90s.

[@RoRo-vr6wx]

I can show you more heavier stuff before sabbath

[@olschoolTonyCarter]

Cromagnon was more psychedelic rock pro-metal. Jimi and Zeppelin were also pro-metal, but Sabbath was the OFFICIAL creators of heavy metal.

[@thor7564]

As special as they were, the avantgard Cromags did not predict the future and certainly not Black Metal or any other metal (Caledonia 'vocals' is whispering). They did not invent noise music or industrial either. Interesting ideas though.

[@craigdamage]

No. Not really. Cromagnon isn't "pre metal"or "black metal". This is way WAY more pre-industrial. pre-noise rock or no wave etc. This is just noisy avant garde.

[@olschoolTonyCarter]

Facts

[@phil1pd]

There's a reason nobody heard of them. They suck.

[@DissectingtheDisco]

Must be the same for Dissecting the Disco