ASH RA TEMPEL

First and best offering by ASH RA TEMPEL, this self-titled opus is simply a reference in the world of krautrock, psychedelic and space rock jamming. Unreal, mystical, innovative, beautiful, freaky, trippy, out of time are the few adjectives that come to mind when describing the music. A genuine awaken dream, that could evoke either the exploration of an hidden mythological temple or a journey into the depths of the dark universe. As you prefer...

As one of the first release from the Ohr label, the stylistic approach is radical: two 20 minutes long suites, fully instrumental. The structure is already like the band's three next albums: one 'rockier' side and one 'spacier' side. Klaus Schulze is part of this first line-up of ASH RA TEMPEL, however the compositions do not resemble his solo efforts. Combined with floating electronic textures, Manuel G'ttsching's guitar fireworks sound amazing.

"Amboss" ("Anvil" in English) is the 'rock-y' side of the record. These 20 minutes are a long trip into the unknown cosmos. Featuring tribal percussions, freaked out passages, eerie sound effects and whirlwinding Hendrixian guitar interventions from G'ttsching, this track is simply a true space rock orgasm! It even incorporates slight Egyptian touches a few hard rock incursions by moments. Mindblowing!

"Traummaschine" ("Dream Machine" in English) is the spacey and also the most innovative side. Much calmer and electronic than the first side, it displays mystical and mysterious atmospheres.The music is quite contemplative and ethereal, like if you were venturing into the tomb of an ancient god. This track can remind TANGERINE DREAM's "Alpha Centauri" or "Zeit" at times and could well have influenced post-rock. Beautiful and relaxing, more nervous passages are present too.

"Ash Ra Tempel" is one of the first and finest example of "Kosmische Musik". This album is a little psychedelic ocean in which you can either bathe, discover something new at each listen, or even get lost in space. The music must be played loud and requires the listener to be alone, with no disturbance, preferably in the dark, to fully explore this temple of unknown origin. It contains a few lengthy passages, nonetheless these do not overall weaken the immersion or the pleasure of this opus. When the disc finishes, you may wonder... was this all real?

ASH RA TEMPEL's self-titled debut is a krautrock classic, a cosmic stellar deflagration, essential for psychedelic / space rock jams lovers! After this record, Klaus Schulze will officially leave and begin his solo career, but this is another story. However, this won't be his last collaboration with the band...

Share this ASH RA TEMPEL review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Modrigue
• Report this review (#1578629)
• Buy ASH RA TEMPEL music online with PA partners
• Show all ASH RA TEMPEL MP3/Stream
• Go to ASH RA TEMPEL page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Ash Ra Tempel page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ASH RA TEMPEL related discussions