Science Fiction Record Albums - Roger Dean

Plus Post Apocalyptic OD&D & God Mother RPG-Inspired Music

Last week I shared an article on Gary Gygax’s comic inspirations for D&D. Christian Lindke correctly points out in his latest Geekerati newsletter that the article on scratched the surface on the intersections of sword & sorcery and comics. He wisely recommended G.W. Thomas’s Dark Worlds Quarterly website for a deeper dive. Critical Hit Parader readers might especially be interested in Dark Worlds Quarterly issue #2, which included an article on “Science Fiction Record Albums” by M.D. Jackson. It provided longer overviews of the bands Klaatu and Hawkwind, along with a brief survey of other bands, It also included a profile of Roger Dean focused on his album cover artwork. Here is an excerpt:

Known primarily for the dreamy, other-worldly scenes he has created for Yes, Budgie, Uriah Heep, Gentle Giant and other bands, Dean has said, “I don’t really think of myself as a fantasy artist but as a landscape painter.” Characteristic landscapes show graceful stone arches or floating islands, while many paintings show organic appearing habitats.

I got to meet Roger Dean in 2008 and he was kind enough to sign this poster for me!

Speaking of Roger Dean, he will be acting as the MC on The Heat Of The Moment Tour, headlined by Asia and also featuring Focus, Martin Turner (ex-Wishbone Ash), and Curved Air. Sounds like a fun bill. You can read more details here.

Some Roger Dean album cover favorites of mine (Asia, Uriah Heep, and Yes)

Post Apocalyptic ODND: Studded Leather by Castle Grief

Castle Grief has shared art and content from an upcoming TTRPG called Studded Leather, described as a “love letter to old school roleplaying games, punk rock and 1980’s post apocalyptic moves and comics.” Here is a description from the Castle Grief newsletter:

It takes an ODND chassis and slaps on the the spikes and studs - the name itself is a tongue in cheek reference to Chainmail, the original combat supplement used then (and now) by many players of the OG game put out back in 1974…incidentally the same year the New York Dolls dropped the proto-punk “Too Much Too Soon” and Velvet Underground put out “1969.”

I love the evocative artwork that Castle Grief has shared so far:

The plan is to put “this together in print format as Castle Grief’s first Kickstarter.” Subscribe to the Castle Grief newsletter or follow on X-Twitter or Instagram to stay informed on the release of what looks like a fun game.¹

God Mother’s “Spellcraft”: RPG-inspired music video

God Mother has released a video for a song called “Spellcraft” from a 5-track EP, Sinneseld, coming out May 10th. The band plays “aggressive, energetic fast-paced hardcore seasoned with deathmetal and tasty sludge.”

Vocalist Sebastian Campbell explains the song’s fantasy and role playing game inspiration in the following quote:

My love of fantasy roleplaying games really came alive in this song, leaning heavily towards the celebration of fantasy through old films like 'Mio, My Son,' 'Conan,' and 'The Sword and the Sorcerer.' I've dungeon mastered a lot, and I loved writing it. Performing this song makes my whole self energized like nothing else.

Watch the video here:

You can pre order the EP from the God Mother Bandcamp page:

1. H/T to J.Q. Graziano’s Rediscovered Realms for calling my attention to Castle Grief and Studded Leather.