CD (US Black Friday 2025 Release). Also features 3 lost tracks– like the more acoustic-minded prisms and dawning light, as well as the proto-metal choogle of Intercessors Blues. There are very few albums in the psych/punk/hard rock/private presses strata that garner the sort of universal awe and accolades that Fractions almighty Moonblood LP does, and even fewer records in the world that could be dubbed Christian Rock incur such fierce devotion. Indeed some records just meteorically lift themselves out any genre tag with brilliance and sheer defiance–and Moon Blood is surely one of them. Based in LA, Fraction was a ragged collection of working-class musicians–the line-up was ringleader Jim Beach–vocals; Don Swanson–lead guitar, Curt Swanson–drums, Victor Hemme–bass, and Robert Meinel–rhythm guitar. Beach himself describes those early days: The guys met through various acquaintances that we had in LA. All of us had been in bands before, but were seeking something with more teeth. We had a small studio in an industrial complex in North Hollywood and started practicing sometimes as early as 4:30 AM. We all had day jobs, so we did what we could. Amazingly the recording sessions for the album were recorded similarly on the fly, as Beach further states: The Moon Blood recording took place at Whitneys Studio in Glendale, CA, early in 1971. On a strict budget, these songs were recorded in less than three hoursall of them one takes. We played, all 5 of us, simultaneously– there were no studio effects, no overdubbing or any additional sound effects added. Basically what you hear is considered old school recording. This workmanlike description in no way prepares one for the pure tortured genius the session wrought. Particularly noteworthy is Beachs vocalsas commonly stated, the spirit of Jim Morrison is conjured in his deep baritone, which gives way to unparalleled pained howls, at times bathed in delay which trails into the abyss. Fascinatingly enough, Beach cites the much punker Love as his fave LA band over the Doors, and also gives influence-nods to proto-everything rockers The Yardbirds and to Dylan, whose dark word tapestries surely inspired Beachs lyrics (though lines from The Doors LAmerica pop up on the LP) Whatever the case, the man clearly has a vision, as even the stark sleeve concept is Beachs own. Equally as integral to the Fraction sound is lead guitarist Don Swansonhis blown-out fuzz riffs set a template for what is now commonly known as stoner rock or acid punk, and his solos consist of jagged, wah-wah-ed shards of notes, with his amplifier clearly pushed to the limit. Beach says: Dons guitar was always my driving force and he did everything he could to keep it over the top. Youd never know that (his sound) was coming from an old, broken down Esquire. Don kept it alive! The other members contributions shouldnt be underappreciated though– drummer Curt Swanson keeps things at a constant simmer, and then boils over when the whole band launches into snarling glory. The band and LP as a whole equals something indescribably intense from start to finishcomparisons to the Detroit late 60s high-energy bands like The Stooges and MC5 abound, as well as the sort of late 60s damaged spirit lurking in biker clubs and disgruntled Vietnam vets. The song cycle on side 1 of the LP in particular cuts to the emotional core, with severely charged dark lyrics like Extend your thumbs and burn the darkness out of her. Which brings us to the Christian aspect–it often can confuse listeners. The Fraction/Beach world of religion is complex and perhaps a bit pagan/sinister than most—fire and brimstone, temptation, and the truth-seeker being burned by this hell on earthor perhaps as Beach himself best put it: Speaking for myself, as a believer, its been a progressive experience since my childhood. I think were all basically driven to live more than religion. The album was pressed in a run of but a few hundred to little attention in the day, but now inferior bootlegs flood the marketplace, and originals of Moon Blood command thousands of dollars. So enjoy this all-inclusive reissue, which also features for the first time on vinyl, 3 lost tracks– like the more acoustic-minded prisms and dawning light, as well as the proto-metal choogle of Intercessors Blues. Tracklist: 1. Sanc-Divided 2. Come Out Of Her 3. Eye Of The Hurricane 4. Sons Come To Birth 5. This Bird (Sky High) 6. Prisms (bonus track) 7. Dawning Light (bonus track) 8. Intercessor\’s Blues (bonus track)