Van der Graaf Generator - Godbluff: The sound of a nervous breakdown set to music?

This week, Tim discussed the fifth album by Van der Graaf Generator, Godbluff. Topics covered are: where the album sits in the band’s trajectory, the band’s unusual line-up, whether they can be considered prog rock, the European influences on the band and the meaning of the album title. Also, what was their influence on Iron Maiden? Were the band influenced by romantic literature? Were they really obsessed with the wars of religion? Are the band “heavy metal without guitars”? And does the word “George Harrison-y” constitute an acceptable use of the English language?