Mountain – Blood of the Sun: A Thunderous Proto-Metal Classic
Mountain’s “Blood of the Sun” is a ferocious eruption of sound that captures the seismic energy of the late 1960s hard rock scene. Originally written by Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi, and Gail Collins, the track debuted on West’s 1969 solo album Mountain, a precursor to the formation of the eponymous band. The song’s high-octane blend of blues, rock, and proto-metal influences set the stage for Mountain’s legendary status in rock history.
From its first notes, “Blood of the Sun” commands attention with its relentless, galloping rhythm and snarling guitar riff, hallmarks of Leslie West’s formidable playing. The riff is primal and infectious, capturing the essence of blues-based hard rock while foreshadowing the heavier sounds of the 1970s. West’s iconic guitar tone—thick, fuzzy, and commanding—becomes a driving force that propels the track forward with unstoppable momentum.
Vocally, West delivers a raw and impassioned performance, his gritty voice matching the intensity of the instrumentation. The lyrics, though straightforward, evoke a sense of urgency and primal vitality. The song is less about narrative and more about delivering a visceral experience, with the words serving as a rallying cry for the unyielding power of the music itself.
Felix Pappalardi’s bass work provides a muscular undercurrent, locking in with the propulsive drumming to create a rhythm section that feels as unstoppable as an avalanche. The interplay between the instruments is seamless, showcasing the chemistry that would later define Mountain as one of the pioneering acts in heavy rock.
“Blood of the Sun” is not only a testament to West’s virtuosity but also to the burgeoning power-trio format that became a staple of hard rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song’s raw energy and unapologetic heaviness place it firmly in the lineage of proto-metal, influencing a generation of bands that followed.
Though initially released as part of Leslie West’s solo effort, the song became a staple in Mountain’s live performances, embodying the band’s ethos of pushing volume, power, and emotion to their limits. “Blood of the Sun” stands as a trailblazing piece of rock history, a vivid reminder of a time when the boundaries of rock music were being redrawn with every thunderous chord.
For fans of heavy blues-rock and those seeking the roots of metal’s evolution, “Blood of the Sun” is an electrifying journey into the raw and untamed heart of late 1960s rock. It’s not just a song—it’s a storm unleashed, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music.