I was first introduced to the British metal band Hawkwind way back in the eighties when I was in College, and you were probably just an egg. The song I like best from that era of the band is called “Psychedelic Warlords Disappear in Smoke,” because I love song titles that are complete sentences on their own. “Psychedelic Warlords” – besides having one of the best titles ever – is also like the most mind-blowing acid trip to listen to. If you haven’t already heard the song, you will just have to take my word for it.

A lot of metalheads know about Hawkwind only because Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead was in the band at one point in the group’s 41-year history. In order to be a true, self-respecting headbanger you do really need to have that fact in your hipster cache of useless knowledge. But not everyone knows that the band is actually still recording. In fact, Hawkwind has a new CD due for release on August 10, 2010 (on Plastic Head Music) called Blood of The Earth, and it is just insane.

Blood of the Earth is the band’s first new album in five years, contains eleven songs and features special appearances from violinist Jon Sevink (The Levellers), BBC personality Matthew Wright and a posthumous performance from the band’s late keyboardist Jason Stuart. I cannot stop listening to this album.

Confirmed track listing for Blood of the Earth is as follows:

1. “Seahawks”

2. “Blood Of The Earth”

3. “Wraith”

4. “Green Machine”

5. “Inner Visions”

6. “Sweet Obsession”

7.  “Comfey Chair” (note: I am hoping this title relates to the punch line from that great Monty Python Skit)

8. “Prometheus”

9. “You’d Better Believe It”

10.  “Sentinel”

11. “Starshine”

I am not fronting when I say that the songs on Blood of The Earth will appeal to all genres of metal, prog and hard rock fans of bands as varied as Zodiac Mindwarp, Hendrix, The Pretty Things, Yes and Nine Inch Nails. Blood of the Earth will be available for North American fans on compact disc and limited-edition 180-gram, clear, double vinyl that includes a vinyl-only bonus track.  Hawkwind are planning to tour later this year in support of Blood of the Earth. You know you gotta be there!

For rocking hard enough to crack a skull, The Worley Gig Gives Blood of the Earth Five out of Five Stars!