Avalon - Voice Of Life

Review by Sandra Mekosh

Album Review: Voice Of Life by Avalon – A Canadian Prog Rock Gem from 1977 Released in 1977, Voice Of Life by Avalon is a hidden treasure in the world of progressive rock and contemporary instrumental music. Hailing from Canada, this album wears its influences proudly while carving out its own niche. With credits that read like a tight-knit family band—featuring Manfred Leidecker’s versatile musicianship (bass guitar, synthesizer, even tuba!) and Tullio Granata’s multi-talented contributions on vocals, guitars, mandolin, and backing harmonies—it's clear these guys poured their souls into this project. The record was released under London Records and Pacemaker Entertainment, which might explain why it didn’t get the mainstream attention it deserved back then. But for fans of intricate compositions and emotional depth, Voice Of Life deserves another listen today. Standout Tracks: "Land Of Mordor" and "Smoke And Fire" If there’s one track I can’t shake off my mind, it’s “Land Of Mordor.” The song opens with an atmospheric synth line that feels like stepping into Tolkien’s Middle-earth itself. It’s moody, cinematic, and dripping with drama. Tullio Granata’s lead vocals are raw but hauntingly beautiful here, almost as if he’s narrating an epic tale through melody. What sticks with me most is how the instrumentation builds up layer by layer—starting sparse, then exploding into a crescendo of roaring guitars and thunderous drums courtesy of Robert Holtz. You don’t just hear this track; you experience it. Then there’s “Smoke And Fire,” which kicks off with a punchy riff that grabs your attention right away. This tune has a swagger to it, blending crunchy guitar work with Myles Hunter’s subtle piano touches. The interplay between the instruments keeps things fresh throughout, making it feel less like a standard rock anthem and more like a sonic adventure. Lyrically, it paints vivid imagery of struggle and resilience—a theme that resonates even now. Honestly, it’s the kinda track that makes ya wanna crank up the volume and let loose. Why Does Voice Of Life Still Matter? For an album over four decades old, Voice Of Life holds up surprisingly well. Its blend of prog rock complexity and moments of stripped-down emotion gives it a timeless quality. Sure, some parts may sound a bit dated (hello, ‘70s synths!), but that’s part of its charm. Listening to it feels like uncovering a time capsule filled with passion, experimentation, and heart. One thing that struck me while revisiting this album? How much personality shines through despite limited production polish. These weren’t studio perfectionists—they were storytellers using whatever tools they had at hand. And somehow, that makes it all the more relatable. In conclusion, Voice Of Life isn’t perfect, but maybe that’s what makes it so damn memorable. It reminds us that great music doesn’t always need flashy gimmicks or massive budgets—it just needs soul. Now excuse me while I go dig up more obscure Canadian prog rock albums… because clearly, we’ve only scratched the surface!

Artist: Avalon
Album: Voice Of Life

Canada

Rock

1977

Rating: 4.0

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Interesting fact
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Related albums

Download

Filename: avalon-voice-of-life.zip

MP3 size: 40.7 mb
FLAC size: 425.7 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Maranatha
Say You're Sorry
Voice Of Life
Lady Of My Dreams
Celebration Day
Smoke And Fire
Love Has Come	3:10
Mother Russia
Silver Bullets	3:15
Shadowcaster
Land Of Mordor

Video

Avalon - Lady Of My Dreams (1977)

Land Of Mordor-Voice Of Life(1977)-Avalon

Voice Of Life-Voice Of Life(1977)-Avalon

Marantha-Voice Of Life(1977)-Avalon

Images

Album herunterladen Avalon - Voice Of Life

télécharger l'album Avalon - Voice Of Life

Catalog Numbers

PS-702
PACE013

Labels

London
London Records
Pacemaker Entertainment

Listen online

ascolta in linea
lyssna på nätet
online luisteren
online anhören
lytte på nettet
escuchar en línea
kuunnella verkossa
ouvir online
écouter en ligne

Formats

Vinyl
LP
Album
CD

Companies

Role	Company
Phonographic Copyright (p)	Taffy Productions Incorp.
Published By	Effisus Music
Copyright (c)	Taffy Productions International

Credits

Role	Credit
Bass Guitar	Manfred Leidecker
Synthesizer	Manfred Leidecker
Tuba	Manfred Leidecker
Drums	Robert Holtz
Vocals	Robert Holtz
Lead Guitar	Tullio Granata
Acoustic Guitar	Tullio Granata
Mandolin	Tullio Granata
Backing Vocals	Tullio Granata
Lead Vocals	Tullio Granata
Piano	Myles Hunter

Notes

Includes lyrics inner sleeve
The durations printed on the rear cover differ slightly from those printed on the labels.
Includes lyrics insert.
All selections MAPL.
Labels: All selections: Effisus Music / Felsted Music of Canada Ltd. (BMIC) (P) Taffy Productions Incorp.
Sleeve: (C)(P) 1977 Taffy Productions International
group canadian
inner lyric

Barcodes

Matrix / Runout (A-Side, Stamped): PS-702A-I
Matrix / Runout (B-Side, Stamped): PS-702B-I
Other (Cancon): MAPL
Rights Society: BMIC
Barcode: 778578001322

About Avalon

Avalon is a progressive rock band from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, that was formed in 1975. The band split up in 1979.

Members

Brian Sim
Manfred Leidecker
Myles Hunter
Robert Holtz
Tullio Granata

canadianbands.com

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The 1977 Canadian rock album *Voice of Life* by Avalon is a hidden gem in the prog rock world. What makes it stand out? Manfred Leidecker, the bassist, also played tuba and synthesizer on the album—a rare combo that adds a unique edge to their sound. And get this: Tullio Granata not only shredded on lead guitar but also sang lead vocals and played mandolin. Talk about multitasking! With tracks like "Land of Mordor" and "Mother Russia," the album blends progressive rock with haunting, cinematic vibes. It’s wild how one band could pull so many styles together back then.

Comments

andiaris

2025-03-13

mother russia sounds great

brianmerz99

2025-03-12

Hey ! Can you also upload "Mother Russia"? Thanks !

diaryofrays

2025-03-12

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jonadel

2025-03-11

Great can i get more

damianoroberi

2025-03-10

Love the whole album

katiecounsels

2025-03-09

I love this song. Wonderful

ladawnfredda4092

2025-03-08

just came back for shivers

munkhorgiltu

2025-03-07

I feel the same

puritybakes

2025-03-07

i have been humming this song for 30 years in 77 i was 15 years old listening to everything from eno to genesis and happened to come across this band and was thrown off my seat thank you for putting this on you tube i just came back to my youth listening to music in louis's basement with dave and other buddies .wow

sonirew

2025-03-06

this song ... I love it.
Rest in Peace Myles ...

meeraarya1908

2025-03-05

like it can i get the whole album

eric198981

2025-03-05

great

sukrismandrs

2025-03-05

Myles Hunter passed away December 20, 2017. Age 60. His life was too short. I wish he was still here so I could be his friend again and help him with his struggles. I am sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed as many friends a possible Myles. May you rest in everlasting peace. ++