Ahora Mazda was an experimental Dutch psychedelic progressive band that emerged in the early 1970s, sharing a musical lineage with Group 1850. The band was characterized by its prominent use of percussion, alongside guitars and wind instruments as solo features, and incorporated Middle Eastern and Oriental influences into their sound.

In 1965, jazz musicians Rob van Wageningen (flute, saxophone) and the Abbink brothers, Peter (bass) and Winky (drums), began performing regularly with other jazz artists such as Hans Dulfer, Henk van Es, and Theo Taldik, operating under the name Free Art Group. This ensemble embraced the jazz tradition with an emphasis on free expression, drawing inspiration from notable figures like Ornette Coleman, Sun Ra, and John Coltrane. They also collaborated with poets during jazz and poetry events. In 1968, they welcomed Tony Schreuder (bass) into the fold, adopting the name Group 67/68, a moniker suggested by Rob's colleague from the record shop where they both worked. With the addition of a bass player, Peter Abbink transitioned to guitar.

Their performances at Felix Meritis led to a partnership with Ruud Tegelaar, manager of center Fantasio, who invited them to become the house band. It was during this period that they rebranded as Ahora Mazda, a name derived from Ahoera Mazda, the god of light from the Zend Avesta. Influenced by the sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Captain Beefheart, and The Mothers of Invention, their music evolved from avant-garde jazz to psychedelic rock, with world music elements increasingly enriching their sound. Percussion became a central feature, and Rob van Wageningen began incorporating the kalimba and various Oriental flutes into their performances. The band started to blend recited and sung lyrics into their musical explorations.

Ahora Mazda performed not only at Fantasio but also participated in the Provadya? tour and played regularly at Paradiso. They engaged in benefit concerts, such as Musicians for Vietnam, and shared the stage with bands like Shocking Blue, Groep 1850, and Circus. In 1970, there was interest from the American record label E.S.P., although a deal was never finalized. Nonetheless, they recorded an album for Bovema (on the experimental Catfish label, which also released the first Solution album), with Joop Visser serving as producer. Rather than focusing on their renowned long jam sessions, they opted for shorter, more structured songs. The album was recorded in just three days and released on May 31, 1970.

By 1971, difficulties arose as Tony Schreuder and Winky Abbink faced challenges in rehearsing and performing the music. This led to the necessity of substitute musicians for their concerts, including guitarist Jan Landkroon and Michiel Krijnen. Eventually, Paul van Wageningen, who had previously played drums in Groep 1850, replaced Abbink. Due to these struggles and the lack of cohesion brought on by the substitutes, the band ultimately disbanded.