Set during the time that Christianity was taking over from the old Gods, this is a story about a junior God’s assignment that goes wrong. His intention is to embody a Roman Senator, in order to exert his influence, but finds himself trapped in a statue instead. The people of Rome worship him and ask him for favours, until they discover his ruse. A chisel is aimed, strategically, to break open the statue, and when his spirit is released, the god finds himself unceremoniously dismissed.

Taken from the double album 'Manic Machine'

"Lunacillius - Maximus"  (Excerpt)

A rocked up, romantic song, celebrating love and companionship!

Taken from the double Album "Manic Machine"

"Two Hearts" (Excerpt)

This song (based on actual events) is about a British clairvoyant that worked for MI5, during WW2, and his mission was to hack, through the ether, into Hitler’s own psychic team.

Taken from the double album 'Manic Machine'

"Mole" (Excerpt)

A meteor crashed to earth in Russia and a local witch carved a gargoyle from one of the pieces, transforming it, beyond her expectations, into a votive object with supernatural powers.

Taken from the double album 'Manic Machine'

"Gargoyle" (Excerpt)

A description of a typical argument between a musician and his beau…

Taken from the double album "Manic Machine"

"Destination - Aggravation"  (Excerpt)

Bram Stoker’s original manager was Vince Silver, an interesting character, that got the band supporting The Who, back in the day. He became the manager of a casino and the song is about the crazy addiction involved in gambling.

Taken from the double album "Manic Machine"

"Demons  Wheel" (Excerpt)

Written, at the time, about the war in Iraq and, generally, about the delusional politics and financial corruption that none of us, to this day, seem to be able to escape from.

Taken from the double album "Manic Machine"

"Collusion Illusion" (Excerpt)

The beginning and end of the world as foretold in the Mayan prophesy. This is written in three sections and describes the evolutionary story of the human race.

Taken from the double album "Manic Machine"

"Ancient  Origins" (Excerpt)

A little Victorian girl is playing in a beautiful churchyard but she is wondering why no-one will speak to her. Agatha doesn’t realise that she is a ghost until the Wraithling appears – a mischievous spirit, that keeps her company, until, he too drifts away.

Taken from the double album "Manic Machine"

"Agatha Little" (Excerpt)

This song describes how we are losing our humanity to computers.

Taken from the double album "Manic Machine"

"Manic Machine" (Excerpt)

Progressive Skiffle from the archives of Bram Stoker. Vocals by Harry Dave Gumbrell from 'Mock Thee Knot', South Wales. 
Written, arranged and performed by Pete Ballam.
Recorded in South Wales by the Pendlewick mobile Studio from St Just.
In memory of dear Harry and a tribute to Big Jon at the farm in Dorset.

The Ghost of Turlin Moor

Pete Ballam from Bram Stoker Archives, interviewed on Meridian Radio on Thursday 12th April 2018. 107 Meridian FM is a community radio station broadcasting to the West Sussex town of East Grinstead and its surrounding area.

Pete Ballam on 107 Meridian FM

Pete Ballam is one of the founding members of Prog rock group Bram Stoker. Pete proudly presents his new double album "Manic Machine".

Bram Stoker’s album "Heavy Rock Spectacular" was recorded in 1970, with the help of Rolling Stones manager, Tony Calder. The band broke up in 1972, leaving a collection of songs that were never recorded from this era. Many years later, in 2004, Pete reconnected the original band members, with the intention of resurrecting this original material and creating new ideas for a second, more authentic sounding recording. Despite the enthusiasm from all concerned, other insurmountable life commitments got in the way of producing the album.
This left Pete with a collection of new work, originally written for Bram Stoker, that, alongside works written all those years ago, remained unreleased – until now!
These new tracks were recorded by Pete Ballam alongside special guest musicians and put on a new album "Manic Machine", which has just been released.

The Bram Stoker original line-up consisted of Pete Ballam (guitar), Jon Bavin (bass), Tony Bronsdon (Hammond organ) and Rob Haines (drums) and the band soon developed a loyal cult following from their extensive gig circuit of clubs and universities.

Bram Stoker Archives

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