Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen: A Psychedelic Rock Masterpiece
If you are a fan of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, or concept albums, you have probably heard of Aphrodite's Child, a Greek band that made a name for themselves in Europe in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their magnum opus was 666, a double album released in 1972 that was based on the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. The album was controversial, ambitious, and experimental, featuring a wide range of musical styles, sounds, and effects. One of the most famous and influential songs on the album was The Four Horsemen, a psychedelic rock masterpiece that combined musical innovation, lyrical symbolism, and artistic vision. In this article, we will explore the background, context, music, and lyrics of this remarkable song.
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Background and context
Aphrodite's Child was formed in 1967 by Vangelis Papathanassiou (keyboards), Demis Roussos (bass, guitar, vocals), Loukas Sideras (drums, vocals), and Silver Koulouris (guitar). They were already successful musicians in Greece, but they decided to move to London to pursue a more international career. However, they got stuck in Paris due to visa issues and political unrest in France. There, they signed a contract with Mercury Records and adopted the name Aphrodite's Child.
The band released their first album End of the World in 1968, which featured their hit single Rain and Tears, a reworking of Pachelbel's Canon in D major. The album was a success in France and other European countries, but it did not reach the UK or US markets. The band followed up with their second album It's Five O'Clock in 1969, which reached number one in France. The band also toured extensively around Europe.
In 1970, Vangelis had the idea to create a concept album based on the Book of Revelation, which he had been fascinated by since his childhood. He wrote most of the music and lyrics for 666, with some help from Costas Ferris, a Greek poet and filmmaker. The band started recording 666 in Paris with producer Roger Roche. However, they faced many difficulties during the production process. The album was too long and complex for their record label, which wanted them to make more commercial music. The album also faced censorship from religious groups who objected to its content. The band also had creative differences among themselves. Vangelis wanted to experiment with more electronic sounds and effects, while Roussos wanted to stick to more conventional rock songs. Sideras also felt sidelined by Vangelis's dominance over the project.
Musical analysis
The Four Horsemen is one of the most powerful songs on 666. It is. the second track on the second disc of the album, and it runs for 5 minutes and 23 seconds. It is divided into three sections: an introduction, a main section, and an outro. The song uses contrast, dynamics, and instrumentation to create a powerful musical expression of the four horsemen of the apocalypse: war, famine, death, and conquest.
The introduction starts with a low-pitched drone that creates a sense of tension and anticipation. Then, a distorted voice recites the names of the four horsemen in Greek: Polemos (war), Limos (famine), Thanatos (death), and Niké (conquest). The voice is followed by a loud and explosive guitar riff that introduces the main section of the song.
The main section is based on a simple but catchy chord progression that alternates between A minor and G major. The song features a strong and steady rhythm section, with Sideras on drums and Roussos on bass. The song also showcases the talents of Vangelis and Koulouris on keyboards and guitar, respectively. Vangelis plays a variety of keyboards, including organ, piano, synthesizer, and mellotron. He uses different sounds and effects to create different moods and atmospheres throughout the song. Koulouris plays electric guitar with distortion and wah-wah pedals. He plays several solos and riffs that add energy and excitement to the song.
The song also incorporates elements of rock, classical, folk, and avant-garde music. The song has a rock structure, with verses, choruses, and bridges. The song also has classical influences, such as the use of a choir that sings in Latin and Greek. The song also has folk influences, such as the use of a bouzouki, a Greek stringed instrument, that plays a melody in the outro. The song also has avant-garde influences, such as the use of tape loops, feedback, noise, and spoken word.
Lyrical analysis
The lyrics of The Four Horsemen are based on the biblical imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, as described in the sixth chapter of the Book of Revelation. The four horsemen are symbolic figures that represent different aspects of the end times: war, famine, death, and conquest. The lyrics adapt and interpret these images in a creative and poetic way.
The lyrics also reflect the political and social turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song was written during a time of war, violence, hunger, disease, oppression, and revolution around the world. The song expresses a sense of anger, frustration, fear, and despair about the state of humanity and the fate of the planet. The song also conveys a message of warning, hope, and resistance against the forces of evil.
The lyrics are sung by Roussos in English with a strong Greek accent. He sings with passion and emotion, conveying the intensity and urgency of the message. He also uses different vocal techniques to create different effects. For example, he sings in a high-pitched falsetto in some parts to create a contrast with his normal voice. He also screams in some parts to create a sense of drama and tension.
Conclusion
The Four Horsemen is one of the most remarkable songs on 666, and one of the most impressive songs in the history of rock music. It is a psychedelic rock masterpiece that demonstrates the musical innovation, lyrical symbolism, and artistic vision of Aphrodite's Child. It is a song that challenges the listener to think about the meaning of life, death, and destiny in a chaotic and uncertain world.
The song has had a lasting impact and legacy in the rock music scene. It has influenced many artists and bands from different genres and generations. It has also been covered by several artists, such as Metallica, U2, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Sepultura, Therion, Rotting Christ, Death Angel, Apocalyptica, Eloy Fritsch, Electric Wizard, and others.
If you want to experience one of the most original and powerful songs ever created by human beings, you should listen to The Four Horsemen by Aphrodite's Child. You will not regret it.
FAQs
Where can I download Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen mp3?
You can download Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen mp3 from various online platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Deezer. You can also buy or stream 666, the album that contains the song, from various online or physical stores such as Discogs, eBay, or Amazon.
Who wrote Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen lyrics?
The lyrics of Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen were written by Vangelis Papathanassiou, the keyboardist and main composer of the band, with some help from Costas Ferris, a Greek poet and filmmaker who also wrote the liner notes and the script for the album.
What is the meaning of Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen song?
The song is based on the biblical imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, as described in the sixth chapter of the Book of Revelation. The four horsemen are symbolic figures that represent different aspects of the end times: war, famine, death, and conquest. The song adapts and interprets these images in a creative and poetic way, reflecting the political and social turmoil of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song also conveys a message of warning, hope, and resistance against the forces of evil.
What genre is Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen?
The song is a psychedelic rock masterpiece that incorporates elements of rock, classical, folk, and avant-garde music. It is one of the most experimental and innovative songs on 666, a concept album that is considered one of the first and best examples of progressive rock.
Who sings Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horsemen?
The song is sung by Demis Roussos, the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of the band. He sings with passion and emotion, conveying the intensity and urgency of the message. He also uses different vocal techniques to create different effects. For example, he sings in a high-pitched falsetto in some parts to create a contrast with his normal voice. He also screams in some parts to create a sense of drama and tension.
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