In Search of Ancient Gods

Absolute Elsewhere is the brainchild of UK musician, songwriter, and producer Paul Fishman. Despite releasing only one record, there is a lot to say about this synthesized prog/symphonic rock outfit. In Search Of Ancient Gods is based on the works of the controversial Swiss author Erich von Däniken, in which he puts forth conspiracy theories regarding ancient astronauts visiting Earth and influencing early human culture. Via Erich's publisher and a friend of his father, he ended up on the phone with King Crimson mastermind Robert Fripp discussing a The War of the Worlds-style musical interpretation of von Däniken's work. Unfortunately, he couldn't make a collaboration work, but suggested that King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford might be interested in helping out. What follows is a journey through state-of-the art recording techniques and musical instruments, various European recording studios, and of course space and time.

The ambitious one-time experiment that was Absolute Elsewhere did turn out to be influential; Blood Incantation named their 2024 death metal-meets-krautrock hit record Absolute Elsewhere after the band and various songs from the album have been sampled by the biggest in modern hip hop such as J Dilla, Future, and Benny the Butcher.

Now, for its 50th anniversary, the cult classic has been fully remastered and remixed. "Prog done proper", as Paul himself calls it. In Search Of Ancient Gods is available as a 50th anniversary edition of 500 numbered copies and includes a 16-page booklet featuring an essay by Erich von Däniken and updated liner notes by frontman Paul Fishman.