Bernie Tormé - Electric Gypsies (1982)

Bernie first came to notice as leader of the Bernie Tormé Band, a not-quite-punk outfit that toured with Generation X and Boomtown Rats, and had a couple tracks that seemed just a little out of place on a 1977 punk album, "Live At The Vortex". After this he had stints with Gillan and Atomic Rooster, and was the immediate replacement for Randy Rhoads, hired to play makeup dates on the "Blizzard Of Oz" tour. I think this is his second release with his band Electric Gypsies. No frills 80's hard rock with some great guitar playing.

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Karthago - Karthago (1971)

German band Karthago's first album is some tasty heavy rock, played in a style not common among German groups. Some tracks bring to mind Jimi Hendrix or maybe the progressive funk of Funkadelic, and other tracks are played in a Latin style, reminding you of early Santana! Excellent heavy guitar playing, a pumped-up vocalist and good songs make this under-rated album well worth a listen!

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Ruphus Zuphall - Weiss Der Teufel (1970)

"An experienced progressive rock collector will know about this excellent group from Aachen, which can arguably be dubbed the German Jethro Tull. Rufus Zuphall's first album Weiss Der Teufel has gradually gained legendary status. It was recorded in the Netherlands and released as a private pressing in 1971. All five tracks [6 live bonus tracks on this] were recorded live in the studio, resulting in a raw and unpolished sound. Just like Jethro Tull, Rufus Zuphall drew influences from both folk and the blues. The side-long title track "Weiss Der Teufel" incorporated the old Gerschwin standard "Summertime". This developed into a very twisted and frenetic flute solo! Some people regard this track as one of the finest moments of German rock. Other great tracks were "Knight Of Third Degree", in a peaceful, folky mood with massive percussion, and "Freitag", featuring one of the most raucious guitar breaks of German rock! "Weiss Der Teufel" is a great album, typifying the raw-edged, largely instrumental early progressive rock." (Cosmic Dreams At Play"

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Arktis - Arktis (1974)

"Although mostly a straight hard-rock band, German group Arktis did however have their moments. They were certainly not professionally trained musicians, and their amateurish edge gave them a very different feel. Not being with a major label they also took chances, especially so on their debut which featured numerous lengthy instrumentals, especially rewarding is the side-long "Rare Girl". Arktis had hints of early Jane, Harlis or even Pancake in their music, but they never really seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do. But there again, Arktis could be seen as innovators, with unusually early new-wave touches." (The Crack In The Cosmic Egg"

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Dark - Round The Edges (1971)

"This LP is a long lost rock classic [4 bonus tracks on this CD]. Some folks consider this to be progressive rock, I however would consider it as pre-progressive in that it was more like Blue Cheer than it was any of the other prog bands emerging at the time. The guitar is hard and fast and the vocals run hot and cold. The first side of the album was luke-warm from an overall standpoint ... side two however is excellent. The playing is superlative and the vocals are kicked up a notch to match the intensity of the music. There are only three cuts on side two, but they certainly get the job done and prove how talented a band they could be when they got down to business. There is more to like than dislike when you listen to this album. The bottom line is that this is a slice of rock music worth hearing, especially if you are a progressive rock enthusiast interested in the development of the genre." (Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck progressiveworld.net)

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Subway To Sally - Foppt den Dämon (1996)

Subway To Sally is a German band that plays what has come to be called "Medieval Metal". This is their fourth album I think, and it smokes!! Some furious hard rock with clear folk and medieval influences. The use of instruments not usually heard from a metal band makes for a nice mix.

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