Ellison
Websites:
No
Origin:
Montréal, Québec, 🇨🇦
Biography:
Among the rarest and most valuable Canadian rock albums of all time, Ellison’s 1972 self-titled release stands as a hidden gem of heavy blues-infused hard rock. With an estimated value of $1,900 USD for an original pressing, this Montreal-based band’s only album has become a highly sought-after relic of Canada’s underground music scene.
From the very first seconds, Ellison establishes an eerie atmosphere—the album opens with the sound of a knock at the door, footsteps approaching, and a creaky, unsettling door opening. This haunting entrance sets the stage for the raw and unfiltered hard rock experience that follows.
A Brief History of Ellison
Ellison formed in Montreal in late 1967, when vocalist/guitarist Vincent Marandola and bassist Richard Arcand started the trio Jimmy Peace. By 1969, drummer Robert Cager and guitarist Christian Tremblay joined, and the band was renamed Ellison. They became part of L’Association des Orchestres, a collective supporting Quebec’s underground rock, blues, and hard rock artists.
Ellison performed mostly in Quebec and Ontario, gaining traction in 1971 through college campus shows. By March 1972, they recorded their only album with engineer Quentin Meek at Studio 6.
Produced by Alexandre Dumas and Yves Hamel, it was released in October 1972 on the Supreme label, and distributed by the collectible Trans-World label.
Despite its strong musicality, the album received limited distribution, and the band dissolved after their last known show on March 31, 1973, in Montreal. Tragically, Richard Arcand passed away in 1997, and Vincent Marandola later relocated to Sainte-Dorothée, Quebec.
The Music: A Hard Rock Powerhouse
The seven tracks on Ellison deliver an unfiltered, gritty, and raw hard rock experience, echoing the likes of The Ugly Ducklings, The Haunted, and The Sinners, with a heavy blues backbone. The band’s sound is driven by powerful guitar work, thunderous drumming, and straight-from-the-heart vocal delivery.
Adding to the album’s mystique, it closes just as it began—with the creaky door shutting, as if the entire album has been a fleeting, ghostly presence, reinforcing the sense that Ellison remains an enigmatic and rare piece of Canadian rock history.
Legacy and Reissues
With only a limited press run, the original Ellison LP disappeared quickly, cementing its status as a collector’s treasure. Recognized as an R4 rarity by Vernon Joynson and Hans Pokora, it has been reissued on CD by Gear Fab Records.
The 2000 Gear Fab reissue was remastered from the best available vinyl copies, as original master tapes no longer exist. It includes liner notes from Vincent Marandola, historical context, and band photos. Unfortunately, no bonus tracks or additional material were included.
It was reissued again on Void in the US in 1999.
It was later remastered and reissued in Spain on the Guerssen label in 2016.
It also had a few unauthorized reissues on CD by Black Rose Records and on Supreme/Trans-World, except with white labels.
Final Thoughts
Ellison’s self-titled debut is an essential listen for fans of hard rock, proto-metal, and blues-driven psychedelia. While their legacy remains underground, their music stands as a testament to the raw energy and DIY spirit of early Canadian rock. The haunting door motif that bookends the album makes it feel like a lost relic from another time, only to be briefly opened and then sealed away once more. If you ever come across an original pressing, consider yourself extremely lucky—this is one of Canada’s most prized and elusive rock albums.
-Robert Williston
Vincent Marandola: vocals, guitar
Christian Tremblay: acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Richard Arcand: bass
Robert Cager: drums
Guest vocals:
Marie-Claire Séguin: vocals on 'Freedom'
Richard Séguin: vocals on 'Freedom'
Produced by Alexandre Dumas and Yves Hamel
Engineered by Quentin Meek at Studio 6
Photography by Denis Niquette
