Buffalo: Australia's Pioneering Hard Rock and Proto-Metal Force

Buffalo was an Australian hard rock band that formed in Sydney in 1971. They are widely recognized as one of the country's earliest and most influential heavy metal and proto-metal acts, leaving a lasting legacy despite limited commercial success during their initial run.

Early career

The band coalesced from the ashes of the Brisbane group Head, with the initial lineup featuring Dave Tice on vocals, John Baxter on guitar, Peter Wells on bass, and Paul Balbi on drums. They quickly established a reputation for a heavier, more aggressive sound than many of their Australian contemporaries, drawing from British blues-rock and early heavy metal influences.

Breakthrough

Buffalo's breakthrough came with their 1972 debut album, Dead Forever..., released on the Vertigo label. The album's heavy riffs and dark themes, exemplified by the opening track Leader of the Land, set them apart in the Australian rock scene. While not a major chart success, it cemented their status as pioneers of a heavier direction in Australian rock music.

Key tracks

Leader of the Land - This powerful opening track from their debut album immediately established their heavy, riff-driven signature sound.

Sunrise (Come My Way) - A key track showcasing their blend of melodic sensibility with a robust, proto-metal guitar attack.

Shylock - A later track that exemplifies the band's progression towards a more complex and ambitious heavy rock style.

The band experienced several lineup changes, most notably the departure of bassist Peter Wells, who later found fame with Rose Tattoo. Buffalo released a series of albums throughout the mid-1970s, including Volcanic Rock (1973), Only Want You for Your Body (1974), and Mother's Choice (1976), each solidifying their heavy, often psychedelic-tinged rock approach. Internal tensions and shifting musical trends led to their dissolution in 1977.

In the decades since, Buffalo's work has been critically re-evaluated, with their early albums gaining a cult following among collectors of heavy rock and proto-metal. Their influence on subsequent generations of Australian heavy music is frequently acknowledged by musicians and historians alike.

Fans of Buffalo's raw, pioneering heavy rock may also appreciate the work of fellow Australian acts like AC/DC, who shared a similar blues-rock foundation but achieved global fame. The gritty pub rock of Rose Tattoo carries a comparable spirit, not least because of shared members. The heavy, riff-oriented sound of The Angels also explores similar terrain in the Australian rock landscape.