STIMMUNG

There is actually not a lot to say about this album. Same recipe than their two previous works: weak vocals, average production and song writing. In a word: nothing extraordinary and probably the reason why the band put an end to their work after this album.

Only twenty minutes of original studio work, that's not much! Short of inspiration I guess; although "Stimmung" was released more than two years after their prior "Curses And Invocations".

Actually, this album could suit your taste if you are deeply stuck into the heavy rock of the early seventies, combined with a natural love for keyboards. But their first two albums were just better (even if not memorable).

From their new material, only Kankweezler and the title track which features excellent keys passages and rocks like hell could draw my attention. The last studio number "Sonnermensch" is also a solid piece of rock, but without inspiration and repetitive. Maybe a showcase for their new guitar player (they used to be a trio).

The major part of this album is made up of five live tracks. They are good for half an hour of heavy- rock jamming and straight-forward but not always boring music. From which the psychedelic and instrumental Moon In Cancer is my favourite.

The last song of their set during that concert (if I'm referring to the announcement) is a live version of "In My Time Of Dying" which was available on their first album: it is only remarkable during its instrumental middle-part. The intro and closing sections being average heavy-blues music which I don't fancy very much.

The sound of the last live songs is rather weak, and none of them are of high interest IMO. Again, I can't be very enthusiast for the vocals from "I Won't Start Another Song". Actually, they couldn't have said better.

Two stars for this average album.