"H to He, Who Am the Only One" is the third album by the English progressive rock band Van Der Graaf Generator. It was originally released in December 1970. The album takes its name from the process of nuclear fusion, particularly hydrogen fusion, which is read in astrophysics as "H to He" signifying the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium.
Van Der Graaf Generator, founded in 1967 in Manchester, England, has been noted for its complex musical sound, characterized by cacophonous yet harmonious arrangements.
The record features the classic line-up of the band with Peter Hammill (on guitar, piano, and vocals), Hugh Banton (on organ and various keyboards), Guy Evans (on drums), David Jackson (on saxophone and flute) and Nic Potter (bass, replaced mid-recording by Hugh Banton and Peter Hammill due to him suddenly leaving).
"H to He, Who Am the Only One" contains five tracks, including the band's eight-minute epic, "Killer," a fan favorite that epitomizes the band's sound: a mix of heavy rock, progressive complexity, and elements of free jazz. Other tracks include "The Emperor In His War Room," "Lost," "Pioneers Over c," and "The House, the Street, the Room."
The album cover, designed by Paul Whitehead, is notable for depicting an astronaut wedged into the rock surface of an alien planet, symbolizing the existential themes present in the album.
The album is often regarded as the band's breakthrough work. Despite its complexity and lack of commercial appeal, the album garnered positive reviews and solidified the band's progressive rock status.
