Zarathustra - 1972 - Zarathustra

Zarathustra 

1972

Zarathustra

01. Eternal Light

02. Mr. Joker

03. Past Time

04. Nightmare

05. Sad Woman

06. Ormuzd

Michael Just: bass, vocals

Wolfgang Behrmann: drums

Wolfgang Reimer: guitar, vocals

Ernst Herzner: vocals

Klaus Werner: organ

Originally released in 1972, as far as I know this is the obscure German heavy progressive band's sole record. However, I believe there is another collective of the same name - out there somewhere. Just make sure you have the right cover + that the CD is on the Second Battle label.

Thus Spake Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche, Zarathustra is originally from Hamburg. Born in the early 1970s, the group brings together bassist Michael Just, drummer Wolfgang Behrmann, guitarist Wolfgang Reimer, singer Ernst Herzner and organist Ernst Herzner. In 1972 the quintet released an eponymous album on the Metronome label.

Made of six tracks with oscillating short and long pieces, this disc offers heavy and symphonic prog krautrock. It begins almost a capella with a cavernous organ in the background in “Eternal Light”. Then after a few choruses, a heavy and boring guitar riff imposes itself. Next comes “Mr. Joker,” a galloping song reminiscent of Uriah Heep. “Past Time” is the longest piece, 9 minutes on the clock with the return of this heavy riff for a hard rock close to Deep Purple. The guitar carves out some good heavy solos and the organ is menacing. “Nightmare” which follows alternates deceptive sweetness and shattering moments with dizzying organ. The overwhelming 3 minutes of “Sad Woman” reveals a title in the rhythm 'n' blues register with a celestial bridge. The LP ends with the 7 minutes of “Ormuzd” with this organ that is barely taking off and this tenacious guitar. But inflated with helium this piece takes off in a heavy, dramatic, vaguely disturbing and disenchanted atmosphere. Great way to end a record but also a career. Indeed, due to lack of promotion of this LP, the group disbanded shortly after. To listen without moderation.