Epsilon (Krautrock, prog. rock / Germany)

Initially working under the name Karthago and with a repertoire of The Nice compositions, they changed radically when joined by the former Orange Peel and Nosferatu guitarist/vocalist Michael Winzkowski. Upon realising that another band called Karthago existed in Berlin, the name Epsilon was chosen instead.

The style of the band has significantly changed under the leadership of Winzkowski.This is a rather dated but well-executed example of Kraut/Hard Rock with big time Blues-Rock and minor Classical and Psych influences, not unlike bands like DEEP PURPLE or ATOMIC ROOSTER.Vocals are decent, all sung in English.The musicianship is far from great but very balanced between hard guitar drives and piano/organ offerings.Actually Winzkowski seems to be the central figure here, delivering bluesy riffing, strong solos and hard-sounding grooves in general, while his typical rockin' voice seems to suit perfectly with Epsilon's adapted style.Ortel is the second leading musician.Nice organ throughout in a JON LORD and KEITH EMERSON vein with a fair dose of Baroque-inspired parts but also some stronger groovy passages, while his piano parts alternate between soft jazzy touches to rhythmic interplays with Wiznowski's guitar.The rhythm section is strong and tight with some powerful playing throughout.The result is an album of frenetic Kraut/Hard/Prog with good perfomances but a very unoriginal style.

The band Epsilon published three LPs between 1971 and 1974. Their self title can be considered as their best, a nicely varied and achieved combination between heavy blues rockin' sections and coherent progressive skills. Their second "Move on" (1971) represents a more mainstream rock album with a few enjoyable moments. With the album "Epsilon off" (1975) the band turn to a straight heavy rockin' trip in a typical 70s style.

Personnel:

Michael Winzkowski - vocals, guitar, percussion
Michael Ertl - bass
Hartmut Pfannmüller - drums, percussion
Walter Ortel - organ, piano, vocals, percussion