Abandoning the lovely soundscapes of “The Snow Goose”, Camel delved into layered guitar and synthesizers on the impressive “Moonmadness”. Just like “The Snow Goose” it was one of their very best ones, demonstrating the distinctive Camel’s sound and their strongly melodic symphonic progressive rock at its absolutely best. It’s usually considered that with “Moonmadness” ends what is in general so-called the golden musical era of the group.Ĭamel returned to vocals again on “Moonmadness”. So, somehow, we can say that “Moonmadeness” became a landmark to Camel, in many ways. Mel Collins (saxophone and flute), increased the band to five members, for the subsequent tour, beginning an eight years association with the group as a band’s member. After “Moonmadness”, their bassist Ferguson left the group and Richard Sinclair, ex-Caravan, replaced him on their next fifth album “Rain Dances”, released in 1977.

It was the last album of Camel to feature their original line up. “Moonmadness” represents, for many, the highest point of the musical career of the group. The band’s British audience declined with their fourth album, “Moonmadness”, in 1976, who was more successful in America, reaching the highest chart position the band ever attained in that country. In 1975, Camel released their third and breakthrough album “The Snow Goose”, which climbed into the British Top. In 1974, they released their second album “Mirage”. By the end of 1973, the band released their eponymous debut album. Over the course of their career, Camel experienced numerous changes, but throughout the years, Andrew Latimer remained the leader of the band.įormed in 1972 in Surrey, Camel originally consisted of Andrew Latimer, Andy Ward, Doug Ferguson and Peter Bardens, previously of Them. The line up on the album is Andrew Latimer, Peter Bardens, Doug Ferguson and Andy Ward.Ĭamel never achieved the mass popularity of many other fellow British progressive rock bands, such as Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but they cultivated a dedicated cult following. “Moonmadness” is the fourth studio album of Camel and was released in 1976. It represents the end of their golden era.

Camel moonmadness full album