Ice

Introduction to Ice's "Opus 1"

Ice is a German rock trio that emerged from Bad Kreuznach in the late 1970s. Their sole studio album, titled "Opus 1," was released in 1980 under the Time Records label. This album is notable for its blend of hard rock and progressive rock elements, featuring a unique combination of heavy guitar riffs and classical influences.

Recording and Production

"Opus 1" was recorded in January 1980 at the Stöwe Werner-Studio in Bad Kreuznach. The band, consisting of Heinz Gerber on guitars and vocals, Hubert Benz on bass and vocals, and Alexander Russ on drums and percussion, formed a classic power trio. They were joined by guest musicians, including pianist Manuel Russ and a classical string quartet, which added depth to their sound. The quartet comprised violins by Dietmar Kiwitt and Mathias Brantzen, with Ulrich Holkenbrink on viola and Ulrike Lindner on cello.

Musical Composition

The album features a total of ten tracks that highlight a dynamic interplay between rock and classical music. Songs like "Bad News For The Dolphin" and "Happy And Free" exemplify the band's ability to meld hard rock guitar with bluesy melodic vocals. The track "Wintertime" showcases the symphonic interludes, integrating acoustic piano and string arrangements seamlessly with the driving rhythms.

Artwork and Release

The cover artwork for "Opus 1" was illustrated and designed by Peter Trautman. The album was pressed in a limited run of only 500 copies at its initial release. This limited availability contributes to the album's rarity among collectors of vinyl records.

Conclusion

Ice’s "Opus 1" serves as a distinctive entry in the hard rock and progressive rock genre of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The album was released in 1980 and pressed in a limited run of 500 copies.