Minotaurus

Release Overview

Minotaurus, a German symphonic progressive rock band from Oberhausen, released their sole studio album titled Fly Away in 1978. The album was recorded in January of that year at Tonstudio Langendreer in Bochum and was privately pressed in an edition of around 1,000 copies. The label for this release is Private Press, categorized as Not On Label.

Recording and Production

The album's engineering was handled by Manfred Struck, who was also the drummer for the progressive rock band Epidaurus. Struck provided the Mellotron used during the recording sessions, which is a crucial instrument within the album's arrangements. The band's lineup includes Dietmar Barzen on organ, Mellotron, clarinet, and synthesizers, alongside Ludger "Lucky" Hofstetter and Michael "Micky" Helsberg on guitars. Bernd Maciej plays bass, Peter Scheu takes on lead vocals and percussion, and Ulli Poetschulat is the drummer.

Musical Style

Fly Away is characterized by its lush, melodic symphonic rock sound. The use of Mellotron strings and flutes creates an atmospheric backdrop for the music. Dual-guitar melodies add depth, while the keyboards enhance the overall experience. Thematically, the songs often delve into dramatic fantasy narratives, drawing comparisons to other German progressive bands such as Novalis, Jane, and Epidaurus.

Track Highlights

The album consists of six tracks, including "7117 (Musik Zum Gleichnamigen Film)," which was composed as a soundtrack for an award-winning short film shown at the Oberhausen Short Film Festival. Other tracks include "Your Dream," "Lonely Seas," "Highway," the title track "Fly Away," and "The Day The Earth Will Die." Each song contributes to the album's cohesive exploration of atmospheric and melodic themes.

Release Format

Fly Away was released on vinyl in the LP format, a popular medium for music distribution during the late 1970s. The album's private press status indicates it was produced in limited quantities, making it a unique find for collectors and fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Minotaurus recorded Fly Away in January 1978 at Tonstudio Langendreer in Bochum.