Aphrodite's Child - 666 12" 2LP VINYL ALBUM

Aphrodite's Child's "666" stands as a seminal 1972 double LP, marking the culmination of the Greek prog rock band's artistic journey. With Vangelis and Demis Roussos at the helm, this avant-garde masterpiece blends progressive rock with eclectic influences. Its release within the context of the time showcases the band's experimental spirit and enduring impact on the music scene, making "666" a production that transcends its era.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

Photo of Aphrodite's Child - 666 Album's Front Cover 

Album Description:

Aphrodite's Child was a Greek progressive rock band formed in 1967. Their second studio album "666" is regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of progressive rock. Released in 1972, it is a double LP with a total of 24 tracks. The album was a commercial failure at the time of its release but has since gained a cult following.

The concept of "666" is based on the biblical Book of Revelation, specifically the number 666, which is often associated with the devil. The album explores themes of apocalypse, salvation, and the battle between good and evil. It is divided into three parts, with the first two parts consisting of songs that tell the story of the apocalypse, while the third part focuses on the possibility of redemption and salvation.

Musically, "666" is a fusion of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and avant-garde. The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including strings, horns, synthesizers, and a choir. The album's sound is characterized by its grandiose arrangements, unconventional song structures, and experimental use of studio effects.

The album's opening track, "The System," sets the stage for the album's apocalyptic theme, with lyrics describing a world ruled by a totalitarian government. "Babylon" is a psychedelic track with a Middle Eastern flavor, featuring a memorable vocal performance by lead singer Demis Roussos.

Other standout tracks include "The Four Horsemen," which features a spoken word passage describing the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and "Loud, Loud, Loud," which features a catchy chorus and a memorable guitar riff.

Upon its release, "666" was a commercial failure, but it has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic of progressive rock. The album has been praised for its innovative approach to songwriting and its fusion of different musical styles.

In 2019, the album was included in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die," which highlights the most influential and groundbreaking albums in music history.

Trivia:

Check out the Psilocybe Magic Mushrooms printed on the record's label!

Music Genre:

Psych, Acid, Rock

Production:  Composed, arranged and produced by Vangelis Papathanassiou,

Lyrics by Costas Ferris.

Recorded at Europasonor. Engineer Roger Roche

Album Packaging / Information:

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, complete lyrics of all songs on the back cover

Record Label Information:

Vertigo 6333 500 (6333500)

Media Format:

12" Double LP  

Year & Country:

1972 Made in France
Band Members and Musicians on: Aphrodite's Child - 666
    Aphrodite's Child Band:
  • Vangelis Papathanassiou
  • Demis Roussos
  • Lucas Sideras
  • Silver Koulouris
  • Guests:
  • Harris Halkitis
  • Michel Ripoche
  • John Forst
  • Yannis Tsarouchis
  • Irene Papas
Track Listing of: Aphrodite's Child - 666
    Side One:
  1. The System
  2. Babylon
  3. Loud, Loud, Loud
  4. The Four Horsemen
  5. The Lamb
  6. The Seventh Seal
    Side Two:
  1. Aegian Sea
  2. Seven Bowls
  3. The Wakening Beast
  4. Lament
  5. The Marching Beast
  6. The Battle of the Locusts
  7. Do It
  8. Tribulation
  9. The Beast
  10. Ofis
    Side Three:
  1. Seven Trumpets
  2. Altamont
  3. The Wedding of the Lamb
  4. The Capture of the Beast
  5. Hic et Nunc
    Side Four:
  1. All The Seats Were Occupied
  2. Break
Photos of the LP's cover: Aphrodite's Child - 666
Photo of Aphrodite's Child - 666 Album's Front Cover 
Photo of Aphrodite's Child - 666 Album's Front Cover   
Artwork on one of the inner cover pages
Artwork on one of the inner cover pages
Photo of Aphrodite's Child - 666 Record Label 
Photo of Aphrodite's Child - 666 Record Label   
Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.
Index of Aphrodite's Child Album Cover Gallery & 12" LP Vinyl Discography Information
APHRODITE'S CHILD - 666 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of APHRODITE'S CHILD - 666 album front cover

Vertigo 6333 500 , 1972 , France

Aphrodite's Child's 1972 double LP "666" is a classic of progressive rock. The album explores the biblical theme of the apocalypse and salvation, fusing together elements of progressive and psychedelic rock with avant-garde experimentation. It has gained a cult following and is regarded as an essential album in the genre.

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APHRODITE'S CHILD - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of APHRODITE'S CHILD - Self-Titled album front cover

Music For Millions , Philips – 6484 309 , 1982 , Netherlands

One of the most notable aspects of Aphrodite's Child's music is the use of electronic instrumentation, which was relatively uncommon in rock music at the time. Vangelis's keyboard work is particularly impressive, incorporating innovative sound effects and textures that help to create the album's unique atmosphere.

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APHRODITE'S CHILD - It's Five O'Clock b/w Funky Mary 7" Vinyl Single
Thumbnail of APHRODITE'S CHILD - It's Five O'Clock b/w Funky Mary 7" Vinyl Single album front cover

Mercury / Serie Parade , ,

Aphrodite's Child's 1970 7" vinyl single, "It's Five O'Clock" b/w "Funky Mary," stands as a pivotal contribution to the eclectic musical landscape of the early 1970s. With progressive rock brilliance on the A-side and a foray into funk on the B-side, the record reflects the band's experimental spirit. The analog production techniques and captivating picture sleeve further enhance its significance in capturing the essence of a transformative musical era.

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APHRODITE'S CHILD - I Want To Live b/w Magic Mirror 7" Vinyl Single
Thumbnail of APHRODITE'S CHILD - I Want To Live b/w Magic Mirror 7" Vinyl Single album front cover

Mercury 152 505 , , France

Aphrodite's Child's 1969 French release of "I Want To Live" and "Magic Mirror" on a 7" Vinyl Single encapsulates the experimental spirit of late 1960s music. With a fusion of psychedelic rock and progressive elements, the tracks, housed in a visually striking sleeve, reflect the era's cultural shifts. Produced during the vinyl-dominated analog era on the Mercury label, the single stands as a tangible artifact, contributing to the band's international appeal and the broader evolution of the music industry.

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APHRODITE'S CHILD - Rain and Tears 12" Vinyl LP
Thumbnail of APHRODITE'S CHILD - Rain and Tears album front cover

Fontana 6420 006 , , Germany

Aphrodite's Child's 1968 debut album, "Rain and Tears," produced by Vangelis Papathanassiou, marked a pivotal moment in the late '60s music scene. Recorded at London's Morgan Studios and released under Philips Records, it showcased a fusion of psychedelic rock and progressive pop. Reflecting the era's cultural upheaval, the LP's innovative sound, underpinned by Vangelis' early electronic experimentation, continues to resonate, making it a timeless emblem of musical evolution.

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