DEUS ARRAKIS

Deus Arrakis is Klaus Schulzes last album. I have been a fan of him since 1975, buying Timewind in the record shop, because of the intriguing cover (both front and back) and the long timings. I had not heard an electronic album before. I was deeply impressed and still am up to this day (maybe even deepler, since I have a keyboard rig like him, and he does amazing things with it). I first explored his backalbums, but they were really hard for me. Fortunately, I like them very much these days. Bought all albums and boxsets there after, and he is my most played hero. Now to Deus Arrakis, or maybe 'just before' it: The last 20 years I was not impressed by his output, mostly too much noodling and same chords repeated infinitely. But I am surprised with Deus Arrakis!

The first track 'Osiric' is very smooth, almost no rhythms but more arpeggiating. Quite nice chords he's using and a joy to listen to. The second track 'Seth', starts slowly and then has a peaceful rhythm. A bit repeating chords, but after ten minutes we go into other territory, great 'spooky' sounds. Then Wolfgang Tiebold joins in (from an old tape) and from there this is a really nice track, much in vein of the original Dune record. In fact, this as nice as those old days!

We finish off with a remarkable track. The mood was allready quite somber, and this track continues this. I think its fantastic. Great breathing sounds, great chords and great arpeggiators. Then, after 17 minutes, we get to the last sequel of Klaus, an amazing mix of what Klaus is/was. Beautiful stringpads, arp bubbles, great chords. It finishes off with some major chords and sounds really reminiscent of his Irrlicht and Cyborg organ drones. And then it stops... Everything is finished, the circle is round. Artistically this is an amazing album, the music on the first half is not groundbreaking, so 4 stars. Well done, Klaus. What a way to change cosmic address.