Artist: Ash Ra Tempel Album: Ash Ra Tempel

Year: 1971
Duration: 0:0-1

A of Ash Ra Tempel's Self-Titled Album

Ash Ra Tempel is a legendary German krautrock band formed in the late 1960s, known for their unique blend of psychedelic rock with electronic music elements. Their self-titled album, released in 1971, is considered a groundbreaking work in the genre and remains a cult classic among music aficionados until today. In this post, we will take a critical look at the album, its history, tracklist, and what makes it stand out from other krautrock works of the era.
Ash Ra Tempel was founded in Berlin in 1969 by guitarist Manuel Göttsching, bassist Hartmut Enke, and drummer Klaus Schulze. The band's early works were heavily influenced by the psychedelic scene, with long improvisational jams and trippy sounds. However, with their self-titled album, Ash Ra Tempel expanded their horizons and brought in more electronic elements, resulting in an experimental and transcendent sound.
The album consists of only three tracks, each one clocking at around 20 minutes, providing ample space for the musicians to explore different moods and soundscapes. The opening track, Amboss, features a repetitive guitar riff and haunting synths, creating a sense of anticipation and mystery. The song slowly builds up before reaching an epic climax, with Schulze's dynamic drumming and Enke's thunderous bass adding to the intensity.
The second track, Traummaschine, is more ambient and introspective, with layers of synthesizers and guitar creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The track feels like a journey through a cosmic void, with Göttsching's guitar solos shining bright like stars in the darkness. The last track, Schwingungen, is the most experimental of them all, with distorted guitars and electronic effects creating a disorienting and chaotic landscape. The track pushes the boundaries of what krautrock could achieve, with moments of pure noise and mayhem interspersed with delicate melodies and harmonies.
What makes Ash Ra Tempel's self-titled album stand out from the vast array of krautrock works released during the era is its willingness to experiment and create a unique sound. The album seamlessly blends psychedelia with electronic music, resulting in a transcendent and otherworldly experience. The musicianship is exceptional, with Göttsching's guitar work being particularly noteworthy. The album remains a testament to the creative spirit that typified the krautrock scene of the 70s.
In conclusion, Ash Ra Tempel's self-titled album is a seminal work in the krautrock genre, one that pushes the boundaries of what experimental music could achieve. The album's blending of psychedelic rock with electronic music elements, its atmospheric soundscapes, and its willingness to experiment and innovate make it a classic worth revisiting for music lovers and fans of the genre. While not everyone's cup of tea, there's no denying the lasting impact of Ash Ra Tempel's debut album, and the reverence it still commands nearly half a century after its release.