Werwolf-Creation (1982)

Continuing our series on lesser-known bands, this time we feature the German group Werwolf, founded in Sauerland in 1970 by drummer and vocalist Peter Besting, guitarist Hartwig Kugoth, and bassist Peter Lorenz. For a time, they were a trio, until 1972 when keyboardist Jürgen Göckle, saxophonist and flute player Michael Schlimm, and vocalist Ellen Wiederstein joined the band. With this lineup, Werwolf recorded a demo to distribute to various record labels in hopes of securing a contract, but without success. During those years, the band focused on live performances, touring with bands like Birth Control and Eloy. It wasn't until 1982 that they released their first album, "Creation", which featured only Peter Besting from the original lineup. On this debut album, Wearwolf leans towards progressive folk sounds with pleasing acoustic guitars and the enchanting voice of singer Gitta Loewenstein, which bears a certain resemblance to British singer Annie Haslam of Renaissance. Besides Loewenstein's vocals, the album's highlights come from the excellent work of guitarist Gerd Heuel and the symphonic keyboards of Wolfgang Unthan. Extended tracks with substantial developments and constant tempo changes give it a certain feel of music made in the seventies rather than the eighties, which is understandable given that the compositions were written long before they were recorded. "The Journey To The Land Of The Flying Pigs" and "Daydream" are clear examples of this, while "The Eighth Day", "The Song", and the opening track "Höhenflug" are complex progressive compositions with a sound more in keeping with the decade in which they were recorded.