Stern Meissen

Label: AMIGA
Country: Germany
Released: 1982
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Stundenschlag" is the fourth studio album by the East German band Stern Meissen, released in 1982. This album was recorded at Rundfunk der DDR in East Berlin and distributed by the AMIGA label. The catalog numbers for this release are 8 55 930 and 8 55 959, with manufacturing by VEB Deutsche Schallplatten Berlin and printing by VEB Gotha-Druck.

Musical Composition

The album features a blend of symphonic progressive rock and 1980s art rock, integrating elements of pop rock. The band's sound combines rich analog synthesizer layers with dynamic rhythm changes. Vocalist Reinhard Fißler delivers expressive performances, drawing comparisons to bands like Genesis and Barclay James Harvest. The arrangements are primarily crafted by keyboardist Thomas Kurzhals, who also plays synthesizers, Minimoog, and piano.

Lyricism and Themes

Lyric contributions come from esteemed German lyricists including Kurt Demmler, Werner Karma, and Burkhard Lasch. The album explores various themes through its seven tracks, offering both melodic and complex structures. The title track, "Stundenschlag," serves as a highlight alongside the nine-minute centerpiece, "Das Paar." Other notable tracks include "Also Was Soll Aus Mir Werden" and "Leben Möcht' Ich," which further illustrate the band’s thematic range.

Band Lineup

The lineup of Stern Meissen during this period included Thomas Kurzhals on keyboards, Lothar Kramer also on keyboards and vocals, Reinhard Fißler as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Peter Rasym on bass guitar, Michael Behm on drums and percussion, and Martin Schreier as percussionist and bandleader. This ensemble contributed to the album's intricate sound and arrangements.

Production Details

"Stundenschlag" was produced under the constraints and characteristics of the GDR music scene, particularly in how it balanced artistic expression within a state-controlled environment. The album's recording at Rundfunk der DDR enabled the musicians to explore various soundscapes typical of the progressive rock genre.

The album was released in vinyl format in 1982.

Tracklist

A1	Also Was Soll Aus Mir Werden Arranged By – Lothar KramerArranged By – Thomas KurzhalsComposed By – Martin SchreierGuest, Keyboards – Lothar KramerLyrics By – Kurt Demmler	6:15
A2	Der Eine Und Der Andere Composed By, Arranged By – Thomas KurzhalsLyrics By – Kurt Demmler	5:05
A3	Das Paar Composed By, Arranged By – Thomas KurzhalsLyrics By – Kurt Demmler	9:07
B1	Stundenschlag Composed By, Arranged By – Thomas KurzhalsLyrics By – Werner Karma	5:03
B2	In Derselben Bahn Composed By, Arranged By – Thomas KurzhalsLyrics By – Kurt Demmler	3:02
B3	El Salvador Arranged By – Stern MeissenComposed By – Peter RasymGuest, Percussion – Norbert JägerLyrics By – Kurt Demmler	4:52
B4	Leben Möcht' Ich Arranged By – Lothar KramerComposed By – Martin SchreierGuest, Keyboards – Lothar KramerLyrics By – Burkhard Lasch	6:33