Blitz - Oga Erutuf (Reissue, Remastered) (1975/2013)

Progressive Rock/Hard Rock group from Cleveland, Ohio.

Like Roxx, Cleveland's Blitz have a similarly shrouded back story. Presumably formed in the early 70's, Blitz took on a theatrical image comparable more to early Sweet than Kiss, complete with tribal makeup and glittery outfits. The band managed to release one album, on the private TEMA label in 1978, though it is noted that the material was actually recorded in 1975. Considering the year of these recordings, there quite a progressive sound here. Not so much traditional "prog" as just hard rock with a very forward thinking point of view, Blitz laid down an album's worth of tracks that sound like they could've been recorded in the late 70's instead. With hooks aplenty and a solid musical foundation, "Oga Erutuf" is strangely prophetic like it's thinly disguised title (Future Ago) and stands as one of the most solidly assembled private recordings of its time. Though the production leaves something desired, the quality of the writing is good enough to overlook this flaw. With straightforward rock and slight folk tendencies, Blitz put together an impressive album that stands the test of time.