L.A.'s suitably named Ancestors are conversant with all manner of "classic" hard rock and heavy metal influences, ranging from the primordial doom of Black Sabbath, to the futuristic space rock of Hawkwind, and the progressive mindset of King Crimson -- all of which are then sprinkled with additional styles (stoner, K***t, psych-rock, etc.) to produce epic-sized musical suites, instead of conventionally brief songs. After founding the group in 2006, bandmembers Justin Maranga (guitar, vocals), Nick Long (bass, vocals), Chico Foley (electronics, vocals), J. Christopher Watkins (organ, vocals), and Brandon Pierce (drums and gong) spent months experimenting with all of these elements, in rehearsals and on stages, until they felt ready to record their debut album, Neptune with Fire, featuring just two, extended compositions, one each to a vinyl side. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia