We all know about Neuschwanstein the castle, but not quite as many of us are familiar with Neuschwanstein the band.
Neuschwanstein is a legend of sorts to some progressive rock fans. Out of nowhere (also known as Germany*), six unknown, talented musicians came together and produced one fantastic album before vanishing again to the abyss whence they came. This album, Battlement, was recorded in 10 days in October 1978 and released in 1979.
*Kidding. I love Germany.
Battlement
1. Loafer Jack (4'42)
2. Ice with Dwale (6'21)
3. Intruder and Punishment (7'34)
4. Beyond the Bulge (7'31)
5. Battlement (7'05)
6. Midsummer Day (7'42)
7. Zärtlicher Abschied** (5'52)
**This is a bonus track on the 1992 CD release, and the title translates to "Tender Parting"
This album is an absolute gem. Its acoustic sounds, along with the uncanny resemblance between the voices of Frédéric Joos and young Peter Gabriel, make Battlement sound a bit like early Genesis. However, they are by no means a direct ripoff. Their use of flute and some unique synthesizer sounds (like the beloved Mellotron!), as well as their style, add elements of Eloy and Camel. Of course, this is merely what others say. I am perfectly fine with accepting them as simply Neuschwanstein.
Their lineup, as it appears in the booklet:
Musicians:
Thomas NEUROTH: Keyboards.
Klaus MAYER: Flute, synthesizer.
Roger WEILER: Guitars.
Frédéric JOOS: Lead vocals, acoustic guitars.
Rainer ZIMMER: Bass, vocal on "Battlement".
Hans-Peter SCHWARZ: Drums, except on "Loafer Jack".
Guest:
Hermann RAREBELL: Drums on "Loafer Jack".
It should be noted that Hermann Rarebell, the guest drummer on the first track, was also a drummer in the 80s German power-rock band The Scorpions; that Roger Weiler also wrote most of the lyrics, designed the cover, and helped with the 1992 remix of the album; and that Rainer Zimmer wrote the lyrics to "Battlement".
Whatever became of these fine musicians? Some say they now live in a magical land of music and warm root beer. Others say that they just went back to their everyday lives in Germany. I, however, maintain that they joined the Superfriends and, with their mysterious musical talent, subdued the Legion of Doom where the other superfriends had failed so many times before...but that's just me.
Main source: The CD Booklet of Battlement. Musea Records, France.
Other source: The New Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock. www.gepr.net