STERN MEISSEN - STUNDENSCHLAG

As for the other two records by this band I reviewed , I just can recommend anyone interested in REAL symph.prog to keep his/her hands off this one.It's really not even worth to give it one spin. It's nothing else than pop music and does not show one small hint for being progressive.Not worth 1 star really,sorry!!!

It is very clear why "Stundenschlag" is not that popular in these quarters, as it marks a turning point of Stern Meissen to more radio friendly and straightforward songs and away from what we'd call the "progressive" style. Apparently, on the other side of the iron curtain, bands were not immune to this virus either, that befell many of our heroes around this time.

That said, I don't think that Stundenschlag deserves to be treated more harshly than the style change of many western bands around the same time or a few years earlier. Actually, as a transition album, Stundenschlag still has traces of the good old values. The instrumentalists are the same as on the marvellous "Reise zum Mittelpunkt des Menschen" and they haven't suddenly lost their quality. Guitarist Uwe Hassbecker is actually a welcome addition, he certainly knows what to do with his instrument, and bassist Peter Rasym is as creative and dynamic here as he was on the "Reise". Fissler does some more vocals here than on the predecessor, which is also good, because he is a quality singer. I have no complaints about the occasionally added percussion either. There are two pretty strong tracks for the prog listener. "Das Paar" is just wonderful, a very nice dreamy atmosphere with classically inspired keyboards, and its length allows for some twists and turns. "Also Was Soll Aus Mir Werden" is a tasteful understated opener with good vocals and a surprising instrumental interlude.

The remaining songs are not prog by any means, but the majority of them is still of solid quality, very well executed and with some good ideas, and you may find some of them quite catchy. The styles are quite eclectic, you find funk, disco, ballad, melodic keyboard-oriented rock. The rhythm section adds some jazzy feel at times, and Thomas Kurzhals doesn't sound in the least like Keith Emerson anymore. Admittely you also find the odd annoying sound, arrangement or lyrics. I'm very keen on the Stern right now and think that this is easily worth three stars although there are days on which my impression of this is more dominated by its flaws than by its qualities, so it shouldn't have more than three either.

"Stundenschlag" (translation: Hour Strike) represents the turning point that many prog bands faced in the 1980's -- a move away from the artistic (and sometimes bombastic) prog toward more commercial, radio-friendly rock. Think of Genesis "Abacab" or Yes "90215" or any of Asia's early albums.

Track 1 "So What Will Become of Me" has a striking bass motif throughout and a catchy vocal melody to boot. This track often appears in recent live performances by Stern Meissen and has become one of their signature tracks. Track 2 "The One and the Other" has a 1980's Moody Blues vocal vibe and some nice proggy interludes. Track 3 "The Couple" has clear classical influences, and for the first time in a Stern Meissen band, violin and guitar! Listen carefully to this track for its resemblance to UK's "Rendezvous" or "Nevermore" -- especially the Holdsworth-inspired guitar. Track 4 "Hour Strike" has some outstanding work on the bass guitar, and Eddie Jobson influenced violin, especially around the 3:50 mark. Track 5 "In the Same Lane" is somewhat sing-songy and forgettable. Track 6 "El Salvador" introduces a Caribbean vibe, including steel drums and conga beat, despite the fact that the country of El Salvador is on the Pacific, not the Caribbean Sea. Track 7 "I Want to Live" has some nice, engaging musical interludes, despite being a little sing-songy. Overall, it is nicely composed, balanced, arranged, and voiced.

For a transitional album, bridging the prog of old and the emerging pop sensibilities, I find this album as enjoyable as any of the aforementioned transitional albums by the great prog masters. Tracks 1, 3, and 4 are the best. If you've missed the resemblance to UK in tracks 3 and 4, give it another listen. Enjoy it for what it is, a transitional album, and not what you hoped it was. Three stars.