Ragnarok


If somebody wrote a book on the history of progressive rock in New Zealand, it would be a very slim volume indeed. One group instantly springs to mind when you throw both New Zealand and progressive rock into a witch’s cauldron: Ragnarok.

Formed in 1974, the group’s short story consists of two marvellous albums – their self-titled debut Ragnarok (1975) and follow-up Nooks (1976) – together with a lot of touring and pub residencies. They were gone by 1978, having barely scratched the public consciousness.

The poster for Granny's in Auckland's Durham Lane West. Ragnarok became a resident act at the club in the mid-70s, playing four nights a week.
Ragnarok live on Grunt Machine (1976)
The 1975 debut album from Ragnarok, reissued in March 2022.
An advert for Perraux Sound, the Napier company that provided Ragnarok with their massive sound rigs
Sunday 5 June, 1977, at the Municipal Theatre, Napier
Ragnarok in Auckland's 1ZM studio, 1976
Ragnarok Mk.2 without Lea Maalfrid - Mark Jayet, Andre Jayet, Ross Muir and Ramon York
Ragnarok with their live PA, Lea Maalfrid at left. 
Five New Years
Ragnarok with Lea Maalfrid (L-R): Ramon York, Mark Jayet, Lea, Andre Jayet, Ross Muir.
Ragnarok in the studio, with Mark Jayet looking over the gear
Ragnarok Mk.1: From left, clockwise - Lea Maalfrid, Ross Muir, Andre Jayet, Ramon York, with Mark Jayet in the centre
Members:

Lea Maalfrid - vocals

Ramon York - vocals, guitar, synthesiser

Ross Muir - bass

Mark Jayet - drums

Andre Jayet - Mellotron, synthesiser, keyboards, drums

Labels:

Polydor


Revolution

Trivia:

Don’t get confused with the other bands of the same name. There’s a death metal Ragnarok from Norway, and another progressive rock Ragnarok from Sweden, whose early albums are also rather good.

Nooks was produced by Rick White (with the band). Rick was a member of Tom Thumb whose 1970 Ludgate Hill EP on HMV is regarded as one of New Zealand's first prog releases

Funded by

Partners with