Rotor – 4

Ever wish King Crimson turned into more of a metal band after Red (1975) and ditched the vocals? Then Rotor is your dream come true. Released Zeptember first of this year, 4 is the latest from Berlin’s Rotor. Despite hailing from Germany and the German song titles, this 3 piece band is not overtly “Krautrock” but more of just a heavy band without a singer. And they’ve been at it since 1998. Maybe they’ve been around so long because they don’t have to suffer from the dreaded L.S.D. (lead singer disease).

The hype sheet that came with the CD claims “bohemian structures with groovy beats, surprising time changes, heavy guitars and distorted bass.” Finally, some truth in advertising, but only a European would use a term like “bohemian structures.” The guitar is very heavy, but with plenty of reverbed clarity to make all the lines stand out from the thick rumbly bass and thuddy drums. The production is very nice – thick sounding with lots of tube warmth and never flat or dull.

Songwriting is top notch, too. An instrumental band really needs to work out the arrangements but leave some room for improv so neither the band or listener gets bored. They keep most of the songs around the 4 minute mark and avoid a lot of the Sabbath/Hawkwind clichés that many of these type of bands often fall into. They also bring in some cool classic rock influences, too. “Karacho / Heizer” sounds like it was lifted right out of a James Gang jam at the Grande Ballroom. “Gnade Dir Gott” and “Drehmoment” boil over with King Crimson at their heaviest.

To keep things interesting, there are 2 songs with guest vocalists. “An3R4” is almost Tool-like with a heavy, circular riff and some great drum fills. A cover of The Obsessed’s “Neatz Brigade” ends the album. Before checking the credits, the first thing I thought was “this really reminds me of Wino.” I’ve never heard the original but now intend to track it down. I’m also going to investigate Rotor’s previous 3 records. Maybe in the future they can get Udo to guest on a cover of Accept’s “Princess Of The Dawn.” That would be really cool.

Another winner from the Elektrohasch label.

-- Woody

Buy here: Rotor - 4

http://www.rotorotor.de/