Krautrock Album Database

Taking their name from the Indian book of creation, Dzyan (Jochen Leuschner, Reinhard Karwatky, Gerd Bock-Ehrmann, Deiter Kramer, and Ludwig Braun) formed in January of 1972 as a one-off studio project. Two months after forming the group recorded a self-titled debut album which was released in April of 1972. This version of the band never appeared live and soon after recording the album Braun and Kramer left the group. By November of 1972 Dzyan had become a trio, of which only Reinhard Karwatky was from the original formation. The new version of the band featured Reinhard Karwatky on bass, Eddie Marron on guitar, and Peter Giger on drums. Their sound took on a unique feel which comprised elements of Jazz Fusion, Rock, and Ethnic influences. Together they released two albums 'Time Machine' in 1973 and 'Electric Silence' in 1974. Sadly, the group ceased to exist when Karwatky, the last remaining original member, left the group in 1974. As a whole their unique ethnic jazz sound can be compared to a cross between Embryo and Agitation Free.

Albums

Dzyan 1972
Time Machine 1973
Electric Silence 1974

Dzyan (Aronda 1972)

Album Legnth: 44.55

Genre: Jazz Rock

Best Song: 'Emptiness'

Release Info: 2001 CD Reissue Alcinous AL 0103

Tracks:

1. Emptiness 9.43
2. The Bud Awakes 3.01
3. The Wisdom 10.32
4. Fohat's Work 6.36
5. Hymn 1.12
6. Dragonsong 7.33
7. Things We're Looking For 1.56
8. Back To Earth 4.11

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Average Rating based on 6 votes: 3.0

Overview:

Are you into judging books, or in this case CDs, by the cover? If you were to look at the cover art of this album you would probably guess that you were in for a space rock exploration of epic proportions. This statement is backed up by the opening track 'Emptiness' which begins with an other-worldly collage of electronic sounds. Sadly, the space rock dream is crushed at the 2:23 mark when the vocalist (the Maurice Gibb of Krautrock) kicks in. However, despite the vocals, 'Emptiness' should pack enough of a jazz groove and some stellar bass playing to get your toes and fingers a tappin'. Overall, the sound of the album is straight up jazz-rock (sometimes sounding like a Kraut-Crimson) with a few ethnic touches thrown in, most notably in the percussion. It doesn't really compare to their 'Electric Silence' album, but it is really good given the fact that they had only been together for two months! I have found that this album has the ability to grow on you with repeated listening. Noteworthy tracks include 'Emptiness', 'The Bud Awakes', and 'Back To Earth', which is a pounding instrumental jam based around a single riff. [3.5/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Reinhard Karwatky - Bass
Jochen Leuschner - Vocals, Congas, Percussion
Gerd Bock-Ehrmann - Tenor Saxophone
Dieter Kramer - Guitar
Ludwig Braun - Drums, Percussion

Time Machine (Bacillus 1973)

Album Legnth: 37.45

Genre: Jazz Fusion/Ethnic

Best Song: 'Kabisrain'

Release Info: 1995 CD Reissue Bellaphon CD 288-09-108

Tracks:

1. Kabisrain 7.59
2. Magika 8.46
3. Light Shining Out Of Darkness 3.14
4. Time Machine 17.48

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Average Rating based on 4 votes: 3.0

Overview:

Time Machine marked a change in approach for Dzyan. For this album they performed as a three-piece with only one member remaining from the original band: bassist Reinhard Karwatky. Together with Eddy Marron on guitar and Peter Giger on drums, Dzyan recorded Time Machine at Dieter Dierks' studio. Kicking off this album is the track 'Kabisrain' which is part fusion, part ethnic weirdness, all freak out! The closest comparison that can be given would be if Limbus 4 played fusion jazz. Sadly, the rest of the album relied mainly on Fusion and was devoid of the ethnic touch which made 'Kabisrain' so unique. 'Light Shining Out Of Darkness', featuring some amazing guitar work from Marron, stands out as a cross between Agitation Free and Popol Vuh. Certain elements from this album might not appeal to all Krautrock fans, but some comparisons can be drawn to Embryo and King Crimson. Whether you like the album or not, you will have to admit that both Karwatky and Marron knew how abuse their instruments. Simply put, these guys can fucking jam! [4/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Reinhard Karwatky - Bass
Eddy Marron - Guitar
Peter Giger - Drums

Electric Silence (Bacillus 1974)

Album Legnth: 37.03

Genre: Ethnic/Jazz Fusion

Best Song: Khali

Release Info: 1995 CD Reissue Bellaphon 288-09-120

Tracks:

1. Back To Where We Come From 8.59
2. A Day In My Life 4.05
3. The Road Not Taken 4.56
4. Khali 4.56
5. For Earthly Thinking 9.39
6. Electric Silence 4.31

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Average Rating based on 10 votes: 4.0

Overview:

If we were rating albums just based on their covers, then 'Electric Silence' would be sure to get an eleven out of ten! Quite possibly the best Krautrock cover, and certainly one of the freakiest. But, as was the case with their first album, the cover isn't really indicative of the actual music on the disc. As far as Dzyan are concerned though, the third time was the charm. With 'Electric Silence' they created a Krautrock masterpiece combining Eastern influence and jazz to form a very accessible album. Shortly after this album was recorded, the last original member, Karwatky, left the group, thus putting an end to Dzyan. What is most interesting about the group's three albums is that in spite of small traces, they are three totally different albums in terms of style. Starting with Jazz-Rock, they moved towards Fusion and ended up with their masterpiece, Ethnic Jazz. 'Electric Silence' has shades of Embryo, Agitation Free, Popol Vuh, and Limbus 4; all of which are wrapped up into a unique sound. The standout track is probably 'Khali' (although every song on the album could be considered a standout) which comes across like a dreamy journey through India. This album should find its way into your collection at some point. I highly recommend it. [5/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Reinhard Karwatky - Bass
Eddy Marron - Guitar
Peter Giger - Drums