Ides of March / Purgatory

Little is known about the creation process or specific trivia surrounding “Ides of March / Purgatory” by Steel Prophet from their 1997 album Into The Void (Hallucinogenic Conception), as the band has not shared detailed stories or interviews about this particular track. However, the song is a notable cover, originally performed by Iron Maiden, and was featured on Dwell Records’ A Call to Irons Volume 1: A Tribute to Iron Maiden, showcasing Steel Prophet’s reverence for classic metal influences. The track itself is a dynamic blend of soaring vocals and intricate guitar work, with lyrics that evoke fantastical imagery of dreams, otherworldly journeys, and existential musings, as seen in lines like “Over clouds my mind will fly, forever now I can’t think why.” Critics have praised its passionate delivery, with one review from Metalunderground noting that the song proves “metal doesn’t always have to be loud, heavy, and brutal,” highlighting its thoughtful and melodic depth.

Steel Prophet began in the 1980s in Connecticut, founded by guitarist Steve Kachinsky Blakmoor and vocalist Gary Stocking. The band was born from a shared passion for psychedelic music, mysticism, and heavy metal, drawing inspiration from bands like Judas Priest, Metallica, and Black Sabbath, as well as more progressive influences like Yes and Pink Floyd. Early on, the band faced lineup changes, with drummer Harry Blackwell, son of jazz drummer Ed Blackwell, briefly joining before being replaced by John “J.T.” Tarascio due to equipment issues. After Stocking’s departure following disruptive behavior at gigs, Kachinsky and Tarascio relocated to California in 1988, where they recruited bassist Vince Dennis and vocalist Scott Lindsenbardt, nicknamed “Echo Man” for his Savatage-style vocals. This move marked a pivotal shift, leading to the recording of their 1990 demo Inner Ascendance, which gained traction in Europe and set the stage for their debut album, The Goddess Principle, in 1995.

You can follow Steel Prophet on their official website for updates on their music and tour dates. They are active on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share news and engage with fans. For fan communities, the Steel Prophet Fan Club on Facebook is a hub for enthusiasts to discuss the band’s music and legacy. Additionally, fans can connect through platforms like Last.fm, which hosts discussions and track information for Steel Prophet’s discography.