Virus

Introduction to Virus and Their Debut Album

Virus, a German band formed in 1970 in Bielefeld, released their debut album titled "Revelation" in 1971 under the BASF label. This album marked the beginning of their journey in the rock and pop music scene, showcasing a blend of rock and progressive rock influences. The band consisted of Werner Monka on guitar, J. Dieter Krahe on keyboards and organ, Bernd Hohmann on vocals and flute, Reinhold Spiegelfeld on bass, and Wolfgang Rieke on drums.

Recording Details

"Revelation" was recorded and remixed at Star-Music-Studio in Hamburg between January 5 and January 7, 1971. The album features a mix of original compositions by the band and an arrangement of a well-known track by the Rolling Stones. The opening track, "Revelation," creatively incorporates elements from "Paint It Black," transforming it into an extended piece lasting over 12 minutes. This approach reflects the band's willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional song structures.

Track Highlights

The album includes several noteworthy tracks. "Endless Game," another original composition, runs for over 12 minutes as well and showcases the band's progressive rock tendencies. "Burning Candle" and "Hungry Looser" also stand out with their intricate arrangements and lyrical content. The closing track, "Nur Noch Zwei Lichtjahre," features contributions from Konrad Plank, who also served as the recording engineer for the album.

Musical Style and Influences

Virus's music on "Revelation" reflects a fusion of rock and prog rock elements, characterized by intricate instrumental passages and thoughtful lyrics. The band draws on various influences, which is evident in their reinterpretation of established songs alongside their original works. The instrumentation features a blend of electric guitars, organ, and flute, creating a rich sound palette.

Conclusion

"Revelation" was released as a vinyl LP in 1971, marking the start of Virus's contributions to the music landscape of that era.