1. SYMBOL OF REALITY 2. SMALL AXE 3. BUMPING AND BORING 4. CHEATER 5. WATCH OUT 6. MISTER GOOSE 7. STREETS OF GOLD 8. RIGHTEOUS MAN 9. RIGHTEOUS MAN VERSION 10. STAND ALONE 11. NOT AFRAID TO FIGHT
Extra-Infos:
.. Reality
Description:
Symbol Of Reality is an album by Gladiators, released in 2020. Symbol Of Reality includes a.o. the following tracks: ??Symbol Of Reality?, ??Bumping And Boring?, ??Righteous Man Version?, ??Stand Alone? and more. The album is a Remastered, Gatefold Sleeve reggae LP. - .. REALITY
Albert Griffiths founded The Gladiators in 1966 after some success on his own. The group scored their first hit, produced by legendary producer Coxsone Dodd, with "Hello Carol" in 1968. During the '70s The Gladiators made their way through releases on labels like Studio One, Upsetter, Virgin, and Groovemaster. 1980 found The Gladiators working with producer, and pre-"Electric Avenue" hitmaker, Eddy Grant on the album Gladiators, which also featured members of the band Aswad lending a musical hand. On 1982's Symbol Of Reality, their first for the Nighthawk Records label, they revisited their own catalog of songs re-recording their classics, "Dreadlocks The Time Is Now" (appearing here as "Streets Of Gold"), "Watch Out" and "Big Boo Boo Deh" (returning retitled as "Cheater") while also paying homage to The Wailers with covers "Small Axe" and "Stand Alone," both written by Bob Marley.
"Symbol Of Reality" is a roots reggae LP by Jamaican group Gladiators, presenting a warm, organic sound built on driving basslines, expressive rhythm guitar and spiritually charged harmonies. Across the album, the band combines militant roots grooves with conscious, reality-based lyrics that speak about everyday struggles, faith, dignity and social justice. The production emphasizes live band interaction, deep drum-and-bass foundations and soulful lead vocals, creating a timeless sound that will appeal both to long-time reggae collectors and to newcomers seeking an authentic, analog listening experience. As an LP, "Symbol Of Reality" is designed for full-album immersion, with carefully sequenced tracks that flow naturally from meditative, roots-heavy tunes to more uplifting and melodic moments, making it ideal for relaxed listening sessions or focused, sit-down appreciation of the music and message.
Gladiators are one of the classic names in roots reggae, known for their tight vocal harmonies, spiritually conscious lyrics and powerful live presence. Emerging from the rich musical scene of Kingston, they built a reputation for delivering songs that blend Rastafarian themes, social commentary and heartfelt storytelling over solid, guitar-driven roots rhythms. Over the years, the band has earned enduring respect from reggae fans worldwide for their consistency, musical craftsmanship and for contributing to the golden era of roots reggae. Their recordings have remained staples in serious reggae collections, testifying to their influence and their ability to convey both struggle and hope through music.
The LP format of this edition by Omnivore Recordings places a strong focus on audio quality and archival care, appealing to listeners who appreciate detailed mastering and well-curated catalog releases. Omnivore Recordings is a label recognized for its dedication to preserving important recordings, often working with classic albums, cult favorites and historically significant artists across a wide range of genres. The company is known for high production standards, thoughtful packaging and a strong respect for original sources, frequently presenting titles with restored audio and carefully prepared artwork or liner content where available. With "Symbol Of Reality," Omnivore Recordings continues this philosophy, making an influential roots reggae work accessible again in a high-quality LP edition suitable for dedicated fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike.