STERN MEISSEN - REISE ZUM MITTELPUNKT DES MENSCHEN

The band Stern Combo Meissen has, with this release, shortened their name to Stern Meissen. A good thing, too, as combos were a moniker of dance bands in the 1960's. "Reise Zum Mittelpunkt Des Menschen" (translation: "Journey to the Center of Man") is a concept album that tells the story of exploring ones fellow man by literally "driving into him as if into a mountain". Apparently, the lyrics on this album were much maligned in the German press, but fortunately for me, I don't speak German, and the vocal passages are minimal! On a positive note, the vocal performance in wonderfully melodic. Fans of keyboard-oriented prog will love the lush Moog, Mellotron, Hammond organ, Clavinet, and assorted polysynths (perhaps a Yamaha CS-80) on this album. The ELP influences really shine, here. Bass and percussion provide forward-leaning rhythms throughout and are brilliantly "in the pocket" with one another. One track segues directly to the next, without gaps. There were some personnel changes on this album. Martin Shreier, former drummer and bandleader, moved solely to the mixing board. Norbert Jäger who did vocals, percussion and lyrics was gone, as was drummer Werther Lohse. Michael Behm filled the drummers position, and Peger Rasym picked up the bass. This is a wonderful album which is the rightful successor to "Weisses Gold", ignoring the ignore-able "Der Weite Weg". If you're new to Stern Meissen, this (or "Weisses Gold") is a good place to start. Tracks 4 and 5 are the best. If you're a fan of ELP, this album should tickle your ossicles and fully engage your frontal lobe. Four stars.