In their early days in 1965, The Gods were a London-based all-star band consisting of keyboard virtuoso Ken Hensley and drummer Lee Kerslake, who later became famous with Uriah Heep. The line-up also included guitarist Mick Taylor, who was a member of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (1967–1969) and the Rolling Stones (1969–1974). Even ELP bassist Greg Lake was part of the band for a short period. At the time of recording their debut album Genesis, the band consisted of John Glascock (b, voc), Ken Hensley (keyb, g, perc, voc), Joe Konas (g, voc) and Lee Kerslake (dr). It was released in September 1968 on Columbia Records, produced by David Paramor, who also served as producer on all their subsequent LPs. The magnificent cover design was one of the first works by the legendary British design agency Hipgnosis.

Genesis is a highly keyboard-driven, impressive psychedelic prog album from the late 1960s, blended with heavy rock, characterised by rousing, melodic grooves, precise instrumental interplay and harmonious vocals. Some regard the LP as the prototype of a Uriah Heep album. This debut work, which is well worth a listen, definitely deserves a permanent place in any progressive rock collection. A planned third album was recorded under the pseudonym Head Machine, a line-up which later became the band Toe Fat.