Mythos

Exploring Mythos: Strange Guys

Mythos released their third studio album, Strange Guys, in 1978 under the German label Venus. The album carries the catalog number V78 MY-F1003. Recorded in November 1977 at Dierks Studios in Stommeln, near Cologne, the album reflects a shift in sound from their previous works, which leaned towards cosmic acoustic space-folk. This time, the band embraced a heavier, progressive hard-rock style.

Lineup and Production

The album features a lineup that includes bandleader Stephan Kaske on lead vocals, concert flute, synthesizers, acoustic guitar, and talkbox guitar. Sven Dohrow contributes lead electric guitar and Mellotron strings. Eberhard P. Seidler, also known as Eichler, plays bass guitar and provides backing vocals. Drummer Ronnie Schreinzer rounds out the group, who would later gain recognition in the synth-pop duo The Twins. The production was handled by Dieter Dierks, a notable figure in the German music scene, with engineering by Gerd Rautenbach.

Musical Composition

Strange Guys combines driving hard rock guitar riffs with synthesizer leads and Mellotron string arrangements. The album opens with “Aeronaut,” a space-rock track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The title track, “Strange Guys,” follows with its hard-hitting rhythm. “Mysterious Scene” continues this heavy sound, transitioning into a more progressive style on Side B. The 8-minute track “Powerslide” showcases the band’s experimental tendencies, while “Terra Incognita” explores various sonic landscapes. The album concludes with the 9-minute funk-rock jam “Backstage Fumble.”

Visual Presentation

The cover design of Strange Guys was created at Fessel's Studio in Hamburg, with photography by Detlef Gießner. The visual elements align with the album's adventurous themes, complementing the complex musical arrangements within.

Notably, Strange Guys marks a distinct evolution in Mythos's sound, with its bold combination of rock and electronic elements, reflecting the band's growth during a transformative era in music.