Album Review: One Incantation by Harlequyn – A Psychedelic, Heavy Ride from 1987
Alright, so let’s talk about One Incantation, the wild ride of an album from Harlequyn that dropped back in ’87. This UK-based band took a stab at blending psychedelic rock, hard rock, and heavy metal into one gnarly package. And honestly? They kinda nailed it. Released on their own (no label backing—how punk is that?), this record feels like a hidden gem just waiting for someone to dust it off.
Now, I’ll be straight with ya—this isn’t some polished, radio-friendly collection of hits. It’s raw, gritty, and unapologetically loud. The kind of thing you throw on when you’re feeling rebellious or need something to shake up your playlist. Out of all the tracks, two really stuck with me: “Autumn Knights” and “Whirlpool World.”
“Autumn Knights” kicks things off with this haunting vibe—you can almost picture mist rolling over a battlefield while the guitar riffs scream in the background. There’s this mix of melancholy and power that hits different, y’know? Like, it’s not just noise; there’s emotion behind it. You can tell they weren’t phoning it in.
Then there’s “Whirlpool World,” which is just… chaotic in the best way possible. The drums are relentless, the vocals have this edgy snarl to them, and halfway through, it feels like the whole song might spiral outta control—but somehow, it doesn’t. That balance between chaos and structure? Super memorable. Plus, the lyrics stick with you long after the track ends. Something about being caught in life’s endless whirlpools felt oddly relatable.
Other standouts include “Rock Revolution,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a fist-pumping anthem made for headbanging—and “Liar,” where the energy dips into darker territory but keeps you hooked. Tracks like “Harley’s Cate” add a quirky touch too, showing off the band's willingness to experiment.
What makes One Incantation special is how unpolished yet intentional it feels. It’s clear these guys were pouring their hearts into every note, even if they didn’t have a big studio budget or fancy production tricks. Sure, some parts sound rough around the edges, but isn’t that part of the charm? It’s real. No frills, no pretense.
Reflecting on this album now, decades later, it strikes me as one of those records that probably flew under most people’s radar back in the day. But here’s the kicker—it still holds up. Maybe because we’re living in a time where everyone craves authenticity more than ever. Or maybe it’s just proof that great music doesn’t always come wrapped in shiny packaging. Either way, give One Incantation a spin if you dig stuff that’s heavy, trippy, and full of soul. Oh, and don’t forget to crank the volume—it deserves it.
P.S. Fun fact: Listening to this album makes me wanna grow my hair out and start a band called “The Forgotten Riffs.” Just saying.
