Erlkoenig Erlkoenig 1973 german psych progressive and symphonic krautrock
Erlkoenig - Erlkoenig (1973 german psych progressive and symphonic krautrock)
This relatively short-lived (from 1972-77) obscure German symphonic/kraut band consisted of
three members from a band called Paradise on Earth, these were; keyboardist Eckhardt Franke,
drummer Michael Brandes and bassist Gunter Armbrecht, when guitarist Friedrich Kruger joined,
the band name was changed to ERLKOENIG (taken after the German poem of the same name, written
by the famous poet Goethe), this line-up lasted until the band disbanded in 1977.
Erlkoenig played a very interesting and unique blend of krautrock and symphonic rock, it would
probably be fair to characterise them as a symphonic prog band with evident krautrock leanings.
The music of Erlkoenig is dominated by the organ skilfully and inventively played by the main
composer Eckhardt Franke, much fiercer than your average symphonic prog band.
The music is full of intensity, beauty, virtuosity and fairy-tale like imagery. Their ou