Asterix - Asterix (1971) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Decca
Country: Germany
Released: 1971
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Asterix: A Hard Rock Journey

Asterix is the self-titled debut album by the German rock band Asterix, released in late 1970 or early 1971 on Decca Records. The album marks the band's only studio effort before they transitioned into the well-known group Lucifer's Friend. The lineup features British vocalist John Lawton, who later gained fame with Lucifer's Friend and Uriah Heep. Other members include lead guitarist Peter Hesslein, keyboardist Peter Hecht, bassist Dieter Horns, and drummer Joachim "Addi" Rietenbach. Notably, Tony Cavanna provides additional lead vocals on several tracks.

Recording and Production

The band recorded the album at Windrose Studios in Hamburg, with Herbert Hildebrandt serving as the producer. Hildebrandt was previously the leader of The Rattles, a notable band in the German music scene. The album's sound reflects a significant shift from 1960s beat rock to a heavier, organ-driven hard rock. The tracks feature fuzz guitar leads, robust vocal performances, and a touch of progressive Krautrock energy. Comparisons can be drawn to early works by bands like Deep Purple and Spooky Tooth, emphasizing the album's hard rock and progressive rock elements.

Musical Style and Themes

Asterix consists of nine tracks that explore various themes and musical styles. Songs such as "Look Out" and "Jump Into My Action" exemplify the band’s energetic approach. The track "Open Up Your Mind" showcases the group's willingness to experiment with sound and structure. The album blends hard rock with progressive rock influences, creating a distinctive listening experience characterized by powerful instrumentation and dynamic vocals.

Transition to Lucifer's Friend

Following the release of this album, Asterix rebranded as Lucifer's Friend. The band quickly moved to record their self-titled debut album, which further solidified their place in the heavy rock genre. This transition underscores the creative evolution of the musicians involved and their ability to adapt to the changing landscape of rock music during the early 1970s.

Asterix's self-titled album was released in 1970 or 1971 and is cataloged under the Decca Records label with the designation SLK 16 690-P.

Tracklist

A1	Look Out Written-By – Hildebrandt-Winhauer*
A2	Gone From My Life Written-By – LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna*
A3	Broken Home Written-By – John LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna
A4	Time Again Written-By – LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna*
A5	Jump Into My Action Written-By – LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna*
B1	Open Up Your Mind Written-By – LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna*
B2	Corner Street Girl Written-By – LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna*
B3	Change In You Written-By – HornsWritten-By – LawtonWritten-By – Cavanna*
B4	Morning At My Dawn Written-By – LawtonWritten-By – HessleinWritten-By – Cavanna*