Leaf Hound is a British hard rock band originally formed in 1970, known for their explosive fusion of heavy blues, hard rock, and early proto metal. Their initial run was brief; they released their self-titled debut album “Leaf Hound” in Germany on the Telefunken label in 1970 - with six tracks that would subsequently appear on their 1971 album release “Growers Of Mushroom” – including the track “Drowned My Life In Fear”. “Growers Of Mushroom” became a cult classic - widely regarded as a foundational influence on the stoner rock and heavy psych genres. Over time, Leaf Hound achieved legendary status among collectors and rock historians, often compared to contemporaries like Led Zeppelin, Free, and early Deep Purple. Leaf Hound was formed in London in 1970 by Peter French (vocals), brothers Derek Brooks (rhythm guitar), and Stuart Brooks (bass) - all had previously played with the blues rock band Black Cat Bones - Michael Halls (lead guitarist) and Keith George Young (drums). They took their name from stories by author Herbert van Thal. The band's style was rooted in heavy blues rock, but with a raw edge and psychedelic touches that placed them ahead of their time. French's powerful, soulful vocals and Halls’ aggressive guitar riffs gave Leaf Hound a distinctive sound that bridged late 1960s blues-rock and the emerging heaviness of early 1970s metal. Recorded in 1970 and released in 1971, “Growers Of Mushroom” is now considered one of the rarest and most collectible rock albums of the era. At the time, however, it received little promotion and went largely unnoticed. The original UK pressing was released by Decca Records and quickly became a sought-after item among vinyl collectors. Songs like “Freelance Fiend” and “It's Gonna Get Better” showcased a band bursting with energy, heavy grooves, and proto-metal aggression. French’s vocal delivery, often compared to Paul Rodgers or Robert Plant, was commanding and emotive, while the guitar work of Halls blended bluesy solos with raw distortion and driving riffs. Shortly after the album's release, Peter French left to join Atomic Rooster, and later Cactus, effectively bringing the original Leaf Hound lineup to an end. In the decades following their breakup, “Growers Of Mushroom” developed a cult following. The album became a holy grail for collectors of rare hard rock and psychedelia, with original vinyl pressings fetching thousands of dollars. Music historians and fans of heavy psych and stoner rock began to cite Leaf Hound as an important influence. Bands such as Kyuss, Wolfmother, and Graveyard have cited them as inspirations. Reissues of the album in the 1990s and 2000s introduced Leaf Hound to a new generation of listeners, solidifying their place in the history of heavy rock. Peter French resurrected the Leaf Hound name in the early 2000s with a new lineup, including guitarist Luke Rayner and drummer Jimmy Rowland. In 2007, they released “Unleashed”, their first album in over 35 years. The album retained the heavy blues sound of the original band while introducing more modern production and songwriting. Leaf Hound has since performed at festivals and clubs around Europe and Japan, playing to fans who had discovered their music long after the original lineup had dissolved. In 2013, they released a live album, “Live In Japan 2012”, showcasing French’s enduring vocal power and the band’s dynamic stage presence. Though their early career was short-lived, Leaf Hound’s “Growers Of Mushroom” is now considered one of the great lost classics of early heavy rock. Their sound helped lay the groundwork for stoner rock, and their legacy continues to grow as new generations discover their music. Peter French remains the driving force behind the band, carrying forward the spirit of Leaf Hound into the 21st century - a raw, uncompromising voice from the dawn of heavy rock.