Triumvirat

Triumvirat's "Old Loves Die Hard": A New Chapter

Released in 1976, "Old Loves Die Hard" marks the fourth studio album by the German progressive rock band Triumvirat. This album is notable for introducing Barry Palmer as the new lead vocalist. Palmer succeeded Helmut Köllen and later gained recognition for his work with Mike Oldfield. The lineup also includes Jürgen Fritz on keyboards, Hans Bathelt on drums, and Dick Frangenberg on bass guitar, with additional contributions from Werner "Tallihoh" Kopal on bass.

A Blend of Classical and Rock

The album features a rich blend of rock and classical elements. Jürgen Fritz displays his talents on various instruments, including the Steinway Grand Piano, Hammond C3 Organ, and Moog Synthesizers. This diverse instrumentation contributes to the album's lush, baroque-classical sound. The production and arrangement of the album were primarily handled by Fritz, emphasizing his role as the main composer. The sound recording took place at EMI Electrola Studio 1 in Cologne, Germany, between January and April 1976.

Track Highlights

"Old Loves Die Hard" consists of seven tracks, starting with the 7:51-minute opener "I Believe." The album also features the astrological suite "A Day In A Life," which is divided into three parts: "Uranus' Dawn," "Pisces At Noon," and "Panorama Dusk." Another standout is the multi-part epic "The History Of Mystery," which showcases the band's elaborate compositional style. The thrilling instrumental piece "Panic On 5th Avenue" spans 10:31 minutes, highlighting the band's technical prowess. The title track, "Old Loves Die Hard," serves as a poignant conclusion to the album.

Production Credits

The album was engineered and mixed by Wolfgang Thierbach at EMI Electrola Studio 1 in Cologne. His expertise contributed to the polished sound that defines this release. "Old Loves Die Hard" was issued under the HÖR ZU and Harvest labels, with catalog numbers 1C 062-29 622 and 1C 062-29 631, respectively. The album reflects the band's commitment to blending intricate musical arrangements with accessible melodies.

Triumvirat's "Old Loves Die Hard" was released in 1976 and is notable for the inclusion of Barry Palmer's lead vocals, marking his debut with the band.