BLITZKRIEG

What an excellent debut album from WALLENSTEIN. Classically trained pianist Jurgen Dollase takes a prominant role in this record, not only with his amazing playing but he composed all four songs as well. And the drumming courtesy of Harald Groskopf is very well done.These two guys would play together again with THE COSMIC JOKERS, and Harald would play drums on some of the later ASHRA albums. Another THE COSMIC JOKERS connection would be the guest appearance of Deiter Dierks doing some phasing on the first track "Lunetic". Dierks would go on to become a famous record producer in Germany. I can't leave out American Bill Barone on lead guitar who is outstanding !

"Lunetic" is an uptempo song with energetic guitar and light keys leading the way. Harald is very busy on the drums 4 minutes in. Some scorching guitar melodies 8 minutes in.This would be the only song without mellotron. "The Theme" is my favourite track on this album. Piano and cymbals to open as drums and some aggressive guitar comes in. Mellotron after 2 minutes as we get some English vocals that remind me of Peter Hammill. Great sound 3 minutes in. We then are treated to some blistering guitar solos followed by relentless drumming. As the song plays out the guitar comes flying in out of nowhere. Nice.

"Manhatten Project" opens with a piano, drum and guitar melody that mellows out a little after 2 minutes. Enter some great lazy guitar melodies as drums and piano play with more subtlety. Some wondrous tempo changes follow. Great tune ! "Audiences" features some piano and light drums as mellotron rolls in. Some brief vocals followed by drums and piano again leading the way. Mellotron is back and it sounds heavenly ! Vocals are back too.

This is an album I can highly recommend, and would go as far as saying that it is a must for fans of Krautrock.