It is nice to see bands experimenting with their sound and creating music which stems from musicians’ influences, it has however a completely personal style. Danish Xcentrik it’s not a usual band, something which is revealed through the polymorphism existing in their debut album "Welcome To The War". The band combines the Space Rock style of Faith No More with more Progressive Rock / Metal forms and some bursts which remind even Megadeth. There are some elements that keeps away this release from the extreme sound and these are some influences from David Bowie, Frank Zappa etc. It’s true that, in order to love this album, one should dedicate many hours of listening, as the music has something special which may trouble some listeners. The melodies we find here are not typical and usual and when they come from keyboards, then Faith No more come immediately to our mind. In general, it’s about a very bizzare work, which may win a certain group of fans, those who experiment with their hearings and want to discover something new. Line-up / Musicians Jan Weincke/vocals,guitar Niels Knudsen/bass Valentino/drums Casper Bausager/keyboards Discography(Album) Welcome To The War 2007
1.Welcome to the War 2.Domino 3.Gertrusestein 4.Sweet Idol 5.Spinning 6.Color & Light 7.Fabulous Machine 8.Vanity 9.The End Of Nowhere
Another fine jazz influenced krautrock band which delivers ambitious, inventive sounds. As it was said, the geographical roots of the band are from Kamp-Lintfort near Düsseldorf back to 1967. At this time the musicians were connected with a local religious brass band and then they decided to form a "cosmic" rock band to expand their own musical ideas and to put the stress on the jazziest side of their music. Very interlocking their first album released in 1970 for the ohr label definitely represents the fusion between "cosmic" music and jazz rock. Their strange, psych improvisations are mixed with weird space / electronic effects. Wind instruments (mainly the flute and the trumpet) are associated to the electric organ and conventional electric guitar parts. These combinations offer a tasteful musical ensemble. Recorded in 1972, their following album is maybe more elaborated, more evident with a very accomplished improvisatory approach. Consequently two remarkable efforts which contributed to the development of the Krautrock scene.Annexus Quam's first record, originally released in 1970, is a peculiar mix of psychedelic rock and jazz, one of those distinctly Krautrock records from that era. There are plenty of spacy sound effects as well as drugged-out vocal moaning, while primitive rhythms pound away with savage ferocity, especially on the second track. The longer third cut slows things down slightly, with plenty of soloing of guitar, keyboard, and more vocal moaning over the rhythmic washes of sound and ragged percussion, and then adds in some cosmic electric guitar riffing toward the end. The side-long fourth track is far mellower, as a piano leads into a relaxed but swinging number that is far jazzier than the rest of the disc, though still based more in underground rock than jazz. The piece soon takes on the psychedelic weirdness of the earlier tracks as it starts to sway off kilter with more wordless vocals and studio effects and many transitions of sound. Line-up / Musicians Uwe Bick/drums,vocals,percussion Jürgen Jonuschies/bass,vocals,percussion Werner Hostermann/clarinet,organ,vocals,percussion Peter Werner/guitar,vocals,percussion Hans Kämper/guitar,trombone,vocals,percussion Ove Volquartz/saxophone,flute Harald Klemm/flute,vocals,percussion Discography(Album) Osmose 1970
This band started life as a trio from Northern Ireland called Method, changing their name to Andwella's Dream after moving to London in 1968. After the first LP they were known simply as Andwella.Love And Poetry is a highly-rated psychedelic album, which featured guest artist Bob Downes playing sax, flute etc. All the songs were written by Dave Lewis. The highlights are the opening track, The Days Grew Longer For Love, which like most tracks is slow and melodic but with killer guitar leads; the heavier psychedelic number Sunday and Cocaine and Shades Of Grey, two tracks which veer towards progressive rock with plenty of organ and jazzy guitar. CBS released three singles from the album including two non-album sides: Missus Man and Mister Sunshine. Of these, Sunday is a superb slice of psychedelic rock with some Hendrix-influenced guitar work.In 1970 they switched to Reflection for whom they recorded two albums, neither of which matched their first effort and two 45s. The World's End album was also comprised entirely of Dave Lewis compositions, but most of the tracks were more mainstream with string orchestrations, brass arrangements and background vocals. The best tracks are the mid-tempo R&B influenced I Got A Woman with flute solo, jazzy piano and guitar; two tracks (Reason For Living and Shadow Of The Night), which sound similar to Traffic and the slow instrumental Michael Fitzhenry which featured some good guitar work and flute. On the down side Back On The Road was pale imitation of The Band's The Weight. The flip side of their first 45 was an instrumental credited to Andwella. A Mike Fitzhenry appears on the credits of the first album as one of the recording engineers. Line-up / Musicians David Lewis/vocals,guitar,keyboards Nigel Smith/bass,vocals Gordon Barton/drums Dave McDougall/keyboards Dave Struthers/bass,vocals Discography(Album) World's End 1970
1.Hold On To Your Mind 2.Lady Love 3.Michael Fitzhenry 4.I'm Just Happy to See You Get Her 5.Just How Long 6.World's End (Part One) 7.World's End (Part Two) 8.Back on the Road 9.I Got a Woman 10.Reason for Leaving 11.Shadow of the Night
Officina Meccanica (OM) may not be well known but they are one of the most original and exceptional Italian progressive bands of the 1970s. The band members convened from two cities near Rome (Anzio and Nettuno) in the early '70s and by 1974 they were one of the most important acts in Italy doing shows with Banco and PFM among others. There are a few things that make this band unique and memorable. First, their sound was extremely provocative and daring, incorporating horns into the mix reminiscent of VDGG with even some lesser nods to funk and fusion. Second was their highly theatrical stage shows featuring a mime-faced lead vocalist pushing Ange-level expressiveness. OM rest firmly in the more challenging bracket of Italian Prog. While there are moments of great melodic beauty the main emphasis is on the edginess, tension and passion. The band featured self-taught guitarist Gianni Barbati, vocalist Luciano Maiozzi, bassist Randolfo Canini, trumpeter Luigi Canini, saxophonist Vincenzo Bentivegna, and incredible drummer Bruno Dionisi. The main reason they did not get the credit other groups did is that they never released their album at the time. The material was there to be sure, worked up to fine form over many live gigs, but released only individually as singles and a rare (for that time) conceptual video for Italian television .Gianni Barbati recalled that the video "was shot in a magnificent garden in the Tor di Quinto area of Rome. The band continued their busy touring schedule rather than cutting the album in '74 and by the time they came back from Tunisia the opportunity to record cut the full length album had gone. Thankfully that tragic lost opportunity was remedied by BTF/AMS in 2007 with the long overdue release of "La Follia del Mimo di Fuoco" (The Madness of the Fire Mime.) The beautifully assembled project includes the essential recorded pieces from the 1970s along with live versions of the tracks that did not see release at that time. All of the live tracks were recorded in 1976. Line-up / Musicians Luciano Maiozzi/vocals Gianni Barbati/guitars,moog Randolfo Canini/bass,vocals Luigi Canini/trumpet Bruno Dionisi/drums,percussion Vincenzo Bentivegna/sax Discography(Album) La Follia Del Mimo Di Fuoco 2007
1.Suite bambini innocenti 2.Primo turno 3.Via non esiste 4.Insieme al sole 5.Nel grattacielo delle idée il pensiero piu alto e la pazzia 6.Amanti di ieri 7.Il viaggio di un uomo non piu uomo nella valle del tempo
A relatively short-lived progressive metal band, XERXES where formed in 1986 and released their first demo in 1991. Come 1993 and the band release their debut ''Beyond my Imagination'' under General Inquisitor Torquemado. The EP ''Falling Leaves'' was the last work they produced as they folded shortly after. The last known line-up, which appears to have been fairly constant throughout their career, consisted of Adrian MOSER (vocals, bass, 1987-), Michel CUENI (guitars, 1986-), Christian MOSER (guitars, 1986-), Martin FRINGELI (drums, 1986-) and Jose ESPASANDIN (keyboards, 1992-).With a sound mixing influences from folk to heavy prog, RUSH to BLIND GUARDIAN and sophisticated progressive metal in the vein of SIEGES EVEN and SOUL CAGES, XERXES are an excellent find for the 90's prog metal researchers. Line-up / Musicians Adrian Moser/vocals,bass Michel Cueni/guitars Christian Moser/guitars Martin Fringeli/drums Jose Espasandin/keyboards Discography(Album) Beyond My Imagination 1993
1.Longing 2.The Thief From Darrenlow 3.Time For Revolution 4.Beyond My Imagination 5.To The Poets Of This World
A German band formed in 1978 largely of musicians from the Giessen region, Anabis produced three studio albums before disbanding in 1988. The band's music has proven somewhat difficult to classify, with a psychedelic element that has been compared to fellow countrymen Eloy, and a singer (Holger Sann) who has engendered comparisons to the theatrics of Gabriel-era Genesis.Like many other largely forgotten progressive bands of their era, the band's discography is somewhat confusing with the album Wer Will listed as their debut and alternately as their second studio release. The album has also been issued under two separate covers, which may explain the confusion about its origin. The band's final release included only drummer Mike Morkel from the original lineup augmented by a variety of studio musicians, and has been issued with the title Theatre as well as Success. All the band's albums have been reissued at one point of another under a variety of labels. The band distinguished themselves on early albums with the use of flute, as well as heavy and psychedelic keyboards, German vocals, and cynical lyrics. Each of the first two albums is structured with a long, epic work anchoring a number of other, largely thematic tracks. Their final release is a more contemporary rock album with English vocals, as well as an infusion of horns and a heavier guitar sound. Anabis can be found referred to in almost mythical terms on a variety of progressive, krautrock, neo-progressive, and psychedelic web sites and newsgroups, although they have also shown up on numerous 'all-time worst' band listings, usually in reference to their Theatre release. Line-up / Musicians Bert Beck/bass,percussion,vocals Roland Dörr/keyboards Mike Morkel/drums,percusion,vocals Peter Müller/guitars Holger Sann/vocals,flute,guitar,percussion Erhard Waschke/guitars Discography(Album) Heaven On Earth 1980
1.Heaven On Earth 2.Water-Problem 3.Faded Dreams 4.Malleus Malificarum 5.Assassination
70's psych / progressive collective from Germany underground, incorporating fuzzed out guitar improvisations, west coast influences, "retro" pop elements and folk acoustic "exoticism". The band was formed by Dietmar Burmeister (Agitation Free, Ashra Tempel). Their album "We hope to see you" (1974) has been published on German label Delta Acoustics (known for the releases of Sand and Code III). The recordings are blending several styles in its entirety making it really impossible to categorize. Line-up / Musicians Michael Sauber/sax,flute Bernie Schumacher/sax Jorg Hahnfeld/bass,guitar Dietmar Burmeister/drums,percussion Lothar Muschinski/vocals,guitar Klaus Pankau/guitars,vocals Discography(Album) We Hope To See You 1974
1.Out Of The City 2.Seerock 3.Scizoid Game 4.Black Suits 5.Espresso Brasil
Opus Avantra are an Italian prog band from Venice that was formed in 1973 on the initiative of Donella Del Monaco (vocals, lyrics), Alfredo Tisocco (piano, keyboards and composer), Giorgio Bisotto (philosopher and "ideologist" of the band) and Renato Marengo (producer). The name of this project is an acronym that reflects the main sources of inspiration (Opera, Avant-garde, Tradition). The aim was to break the cultural barriers between classical and popular music blending opera with jazz, contemporary music and traditional melodies. The debut album of the band "Opus Avantra ? Donella Del Monaco" (also known as "Introspezione", from the title of the first track) was released in 1974 for the independent label Trident and was recorded with the help of some guest musicians like Tony Esposito (percussion), Luciano Tavella (flute), Enrico Professione (violin) and Pierdino Tisato (drums). It's a concept album about the sentimental education of a girl, a musical journey through the hidden feelings of a woman led by the magnificent Donella Del Monaco's vocals. Line-up / Musicians Donella Del Monaco/vocals Alfredo Tisocco/keyboards Luciano Tavella/flute Enrico Professione/violin Pieregidio Spiller/violin Riccardo Perraro/cello Pierdino Tisato/drums Tony Esposito/percussion,strumenti Discography(Album) Introspezione - Donella Del Monaco 1974
X-Panda is an interestingly named progressive metal act from Estonia, and Flight of Fancy is their impressive entrance into the scene. This mostly-instrumental debut showcases a talented young band with a unique sound, as well as a strong ability to write memorable and captivating compositions. Flight of Fancy is a truly remarkable musical experience - although many new progressive metal bands tend to derive too much from Dream Theater and the like, X-Panda truly has something unique to offer with this debut effort. All in all, Flight of Fancy is a highly successful mix of progressive rock, jazz, and metal; fans of those genres should definitely give these guys a shot. Line-up / Musicians Kaarel Tamra/keyboards Risto Virkhausen/guitars Tamar Nugis/bass,vocals Karl-Juhan Laanesaar/drums Discography(Album) Flight Of Fancy 2011
1.Intro 2.Black 3.Dickybirds 4.Flight Of Fancy 5.Siren 6.Journey Of A Dream 7.Keyboard Solo 8.Rhythm Department 9.Calm Waters 10.Crystal Gazing 11.Revelation
AMOS KEY is a classically influenced, and keyboard driven band from Germany. The lineup consisted of Thomas Molin (keyboards, vocals), Andreas Gross (bass, guitar, vocals), and Lutz Ludwig (drums). Their debut release was 1973's "First Key". To show their dedication to the masters, the album was dedicated to Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. The German trio are mostly compared to EKSEPTION, ELP, DEEP PURPLE and THE NICE. There have been comparisons also with ATLANTIC PHILHARMONIC, MARIAN VARGA and COLLEGIUM MUSICUM.Unlike many of their contemporaries, AMOS KEY favored shorter songs over longer epics. Around 1975 AMOS KEY again entered the studio to record another album but unfortunately it was not to be. The album was never finished, but a few demos have come to light. For a long hiatus the band became more obscure with their one and only release. Line-up / Musicians Thomas Molin/keyboards,vocals Andreas Gross/guitar,bass,vocals Lutz Ludwig/drums Discography(Album) First Key 1973
1.Shoebread 2.Ensterknickstimmstamm 3.Knecht Ruprecht 4.Sometimes... 5.Got The Feelin 6.Escape 7.Important Matter 8.Dragon's Walk 9.First Key
British session musicians Jon Mark (vocals, guitar, drums) and John Almond (vocals, woodwinds, vibes, percussion) met while playing together in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and left in 1970 to form Mark-Almond, sometimes referred to as the Mark-Almond Band. Prior to his career with Mayall, Mark and Mick Jagger co-produced Marianne Faithfull's early albums, with Mark later writing material for her and touring with her. He also toured with folksinger Alun Davies, and the two formed an ill-fated band called Sweet Thursday. Almond, meanwhile, had played in Zoot Money's Big Roll Band, the Alan Price Set, and Johnny Almond's Music Machine. Both joined the Bluesbreakers in 1969 and appeared on the albums Turning Point and Empty Rooms; they left in 1970 and recruited bassist Rodger Sutton and keyboardist Tommy Eyre. Mark-Almond built something of a following through touring, with their live shows often featuring lengthy instrumental jams. Their roster grew to seven members by 1973 before they disbanded that year. Mark, despite losing a finger in an accident, recorded the solo album Songs for a Friend in 1975. He and Almond reunited that year and released To the Heart in 1976; they got a deal with A&M in 1978 and released Other People's Rooms, but neither LP was successful and the duo broke up for good. Line-up / Musicians Jon Mark/guitar,bass,percussion,vocals Johnny Almond/saxophone,vibraphone,vocals,percussion,flute Tommy Eyre/keyboards,flute,percussion,guitar,vocals Rodger Sutton/bass,percussion,vocals Discography(Album) Mark-Almond 1970
1.The Ghetto 2.The City 3.The Tramp and the Young Girl 4.Love 5.Song for You
This group from Bologna was known as Frogs, active from the mid 70's and the name Orchestra Njervudarov was only used for their only LP, issued in 1979 but recorded some years earlier. Frogs, with a jazz-rock style inspired by Soft Machine and Weather Report also had a small live activity; some of the musicians had a long collaboration with singer-songwriter Claudio Lolli thought the whole band only appears on his 1980 Extranei LP.Con le orecchie di Eros, the only record release by Orchestra Njervudarov, has an odd story: a rare album, sold in few copies, became well known among the Italian prog fans throughout the world, achieving the cult status. Issued in 1979 by EMI, probably in limited quantities and with no promotion, the album is an unusual mix of Canterbury-inspired instrumental jazz prog (not unlike Picchio Dal Pozzo's albums), Zappa-esque sounds and atmospheres and even a touch of ironical new wave like in the long-titled Rapporto Njervudarov sulla teoria degli opposti estremismi (to be honest, this is the only track to sound totally out of place in the entire album, with crazy lyrics in the same vein as some "demential" Italian punk bands of the late 70's).The LP has some very good and intense moments, though it's not particularly representative of the typical Italian prog sound. Line-up / Musicians Bruno Mariani/guitar,synthesizer,percussion Piero Baldassarri/keyboards Piergiorgio Bonafè/saxophone,clarinet Roberto Costa/bass,synthesizer,trombone Adriano Pedini/drums,vibes,percussion Discography(Album) Con Le Orecchie Di Eros 1979
1.Tot stelle reflex 2.Spleen, codice notturno 3.Una baldoria verticale 4.Tristessa 5.Rapporto Njervudarov sulla teoria degli opposti estremismi 6.Toujours l'amour 7.Il montaggio delle attrazioni/Sinfonia Erotica
