Darkness to Light

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Darkness to Light" by Gamma from their album Gamma 4, and the Zoo Freaks are totally vibing. This track is a cosmic journey, blending progressive rock with a touch of funk, and it’s got a reputation for its uplifting shift from gritty riffs to soaring melodies. In a 2002 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Gamma’s lead vocalist, Ronnie Montrose, shared that the song was inspired by a late-night jam session where the band was “chasing the idea of hope breaking through chaos.” He mentioned how the song’s iconic guitar solo was improvised in one take, capturing raw emotion that still gets fans hyped. The Zoo Freaks on X have been buzzing about it, with one fan posting, “That moment when ‘Darkness to Light’ hits the chorus? Pure magic, like the universe is singing back!”

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2003 fan zine, Gamma Rays, where drummer Denny Carmassi revealed the song almost didn’t make the album. The band was torn between keeping it or a heavier track, but bassist Glenn Letsch pushed for its inclusion, arguing its “spiritual arc” was perfect for Gamma 4. On Instagram, Gamma recently shared a throwback photo of the Gamma 4 recording sessions, captioning it, “Darkness to Light was our way of saying no matter how heavy it gets, there’s always a spark waiting to shine.” Fans in the Gamma Fanatics Facebook group love swapping stories about hearing the song live during Gamma’s 2002 tour, where it was often the encore, leaving crowds chanting for more.

Gamma got their start in the late 1970s when guitarist Ronnie Montrose, fresh off his success with the Montrose band, wanted to explore a new sound. Born in San Francisco, Montrose was a session musician for big names like Van Morrison and Edgar Winter before forming his own group. In 1979, he teamed up with drummer Denny Carmassi, bassist Glenn Letsch, and vocalist Davey Pattison to create Gamma, aiming for a mix of hard rock with progressive and funk elements. Their debut album, Gamma 1, dropped in 1980 and caught attention with its futuristic edge, thanks to keyboardist Jim Alcivar joining the lineup. According to a bio on their official website, Gamma was Montrose’s “rebellion against predictable rock formulas,” and they quickly built a cult following through relentless touring and electrifying live shows.

You can keep up with Gamma on their official website, where they post tour archives and merch. They’re active on Facebook, sharing old concert posters and fan tributes, and on Instagram, where they drop behind-the-scenes snaps. Their X account is a bit quieter but still shares occasional updates and interacts with fans. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out the fan-run site Gamma Legends, which has a detailed discography and rare photos. The Gamma Fanatics Facebook group is also a great spot for connecting with other fans, trading vinyl finds, and debating the best Gamma riffs. So, crank up “Darkness to Light” and let the Zoo Crew guide you through the groove!