The Shamen

British Electronic Music Pioneers

The Shamen were a Scottish electronic music group formed in the mid-1980s by Colin Angus, who was later joined by Will Sinnott, and subsequently by Mr. C (Richard West). Initially influenced by psychedelic rock, they shifted towards a dance-oriented sound that incorporated elements of techno, house, and hip-hop. The Shamen gained significant popularity with their album "En-Tact" in 1990, which included the hit single "Move Any Mountain." This success was followed by the album "Boss Drum" in 1992, which featured the UK number one hit "Ebeneezer Goode," a song that stirred controversy due to its perceived references to recreational drug use. Tragically, Will Sinnott drowned while the band was filming a video in the Canary Islands in 1991. Despite this loss, The Shamen continued to produce music and released "Axis Mutatis" in 1995 among other works. The group was known for their innovative use of technology and multimedia performances, often incorporating visuals and live DJing into their shows. They remained active throughout the 1990s but eventually disbanded in the late 1990s as public interest in their style of music waned.