Paternoster - Paternoster, 1972 {Reissued in 2004 on Ohrwaschl OW-004, Germany}
Legendary, rare, dark & doomy progressive/psychedelic artifact that was recorded in Austria, 1972, and released on CBS (!) records (catalogue LP CBS 64958), original copies of which now trade hands for up to EUR 1500. Paternoster originated from Vienna, and existed for only two years in the early 70s, disbanding after the release of this album of sinister heavy psych with savage guitar, doomy keys and howling vocals. This 2004 reissue on the Ohrwaschl label sounds superb, faithfully reproducing the contents of the original LP without any added "bonus" material. Please enjoy this dark progressive, psychedelic masterpeice.
The Reviews
Review 1:
Upon throwing this record on, I was immediately drawn into a dark, vivid opera clad with churchesque organs(creating a nice and almost ironic accompaniment to the album's recurrent theme of religious skepticism), howling, throat-burning vocalizations and a hint of krautrock influenced basslines. The first track of Paternoster's self-titled 1972 album, 'Paternoster' begins with a Latin chant that progresses into a frustrated, poetic recitation over the consistent drones of a church organ, soon becoming a short jam that sounds like the Doors drowning underwater(trust me, this description fits it). The following tracks live up to the album's initiation with the exception of Old Danube, which seems blatantly misplaced.
The album gracefully closes with the clever 'Mammoth Opus O, whose last 25 seconds deliver one of the most memorable conclusions to an album in the history of Progressive or Psychedelic rock in that it concludes the album with a sudden shift to a light sound that seems to literally laugh at the listener out of complete insanity. It is almost indispensable that every Progrock collector hears this album for its beautiful themes and elements that are guaranteed to provide a moving experience.
Review 2:
Rather unknown from a large audience, Paternoster is in the leading line of the strangest krautrock bands which appeared during the 70’s. This Austrian quartet released only one album in its whole career, supporting an effective, brilliant depressive heavy “psych” rock sound. The “church” like organ sequences are beautifully ethereal, the guitar parts are totally freak out and the singer is near to commit suicide. The opening composition offers a “garage” bluesy rock improvisation with “vintage” organ interludes. “Stop this line” is a claustrophobic, intoxicated track supported by plaintive organ / guitar duets and a tortured voice…my favourite despite that the voice is sometime difficult to support. “Blind Children” is an other desperate composition closed to the previous one. The "pope is wrong" is really near to the psych / weird experiences of early krautrock. A negative mood prevails all along this album, it remains an avenue of agonised expressions…those who have a “melancholic” temper should avoid this one. The album remains a distinctive & unforgotten musical experience.
The Contents
1. Paternoster
2. Realization
3. Stop These Lines
4. Blind Children
5. Old Danube
6. The Pope is Wrong
7. Mammoth Opus O
The Personnel
Gerhard Walter - Guitar, Vocals
Franz Wippel - Organ, Vocals
Heimo Wisser - Bass
Gerhart Walenta - Drums
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