Album Information:

About Triumvirat:

Triumvirat was a progressive rock band formed in Germany in 1969. The original members were keyboardist and lead vocalist Helmut Köllen, drummer and percussionist Hans Bathelt, and keyboardist and bassist Jürgen Fritz. The band's name was inspired by the political alliance formed by Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus in ancient Rome.

Triumvirat's early music drew inspiration from classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, as well as from contemporary progressive rock bands like Yes, Emerson Lake & Palmer, and Genesis. The band's debut album, 'Mediterranean Tales' (1972), featured a combination of instrumental and vocal tracks with complex arrangements and soaring melodies.

In 1973, Triumvirat released their breakthrough album, 'Illusions on a Double Dimple,' which featured the classic track 'The Deadly Dream of Freedom.' The album was a critical and commercial success, showcasing the band's virtuosity and ambitious musical vision. The album's cover art, depicting three monkeys wearing headphones, became a signature image for the band.

Over the next few years, Triumvirat released a string of successful albums, including 'Spartacus' (1975), which was inspired by the legendary Roman gladiator, and 'Old Loves Die Hard' (1976), which featured a more streamlined, pop-oriented sound. The band's live performances were also highly regarded, featuring elaborate light shows and theatrical stage productions.

Despite their success, Triumvirat struggled with various internal conflicts and personnel changes throughout their career. In 1980, Köllen left the band due to health issues, and the remaining members disbanded soon after. In the decades since, Triumvirat has achieved a cult following among progressive rock fans and continues to be celebrated for their ambitious and grandiose musical style.

About the album Illusions On A Double Dimple:

Illusions On A Double Dimple is the second studio album released by the German progressive rock band, Triumvirat, in 1974. The album is widely regarded as their masterpiece and cemented their reputation as one of the finest bands in the progressive rock genre.

The album consists of a single, 32-minute composition, divided into two parts, titled 'Illusions' and 'Dreams'. It tells the story of a man's journey through a surreal and dreamlike world, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

The album fuses elements of classical music with rock and pop, showcasing the band's virtuosic musicianship. The opening of the album is a beautiful piano and orchestra introduction, before launching into a powerful guitar riff. The songs are structured around complex time signatures and intricate arrangements, with keyboards, synths, and vocals all playing pivotal roles in the composition.

The lyrics are philosophical and introspective, exploring the inner depths of the human psyche. They are delivered with passion and conviction by lead vocalist and keyboardist, Jürgen Fritz, who's range and emotive delivery complement the music perfectly.

The album's artwork is equally impressive, with a stunning gatefold sleeve featuring a painting of the band by Patrick Woodruffe, which perfectly captures the dreamlike nature of the music.

Overall, Illusions On A Double Dimple is a masterful example of progressive rock, showcasing the technical prowess and creative vision of Triumvirat. It remains a classic of the genre and a must-have for any fans of adventurous, experimental, and forward-thinking music.

Members:

Triumvirat was a progressive rock band formed in Cologne, Germany in 1969. The band's most famous lineup consisted of the following key members:

1. Helmut Köllen (bass, vocals): Helmut Köllen was born on April 23, 1947 in Siegen, Germany. He was a founding member of Triumvirat and remained with the band until his death in 1977. Köllen contributed significantly to the band's sound, not only through his bass playing but also his vocal harmonies and occasional lead vocals. He was known for his technical ability and was often compared to Chris Squire of Yes.

2. Jürgen Fritz (keyboards): Jürgen Fritz was born on March 17, 1953 in Baden-Baden, Germany. He joined Triumvirat in 1972, replacing the original keyboard player, Hans Bathelt. Fritz was the primary composer in the band and also played a variety of other instruments, including guitar and percussion. He was influenced by classical music and his compositions often reflected this.

3. Hans Bathelt (drums): Hans Bathelt was born on December 22, 1946 in Cologne, Germany. He was a founding member of Triumvirat and played drums on the band's first two albums. Bathelt's drumming style was characterized by his use of complex rhythms and odd time signatures. He left the band in 1972 and was replaced by Curt Cress.

4. Curt Cress (drums): Curt Cress was born on December 20, 1952 in Schrecksbach, Germany. He joined Triumvirat in 1972, replacing Hans Bathelt. Cress was known for his technical ability and his use of electronic drums. He remained with the band until their breakup in 1980.

5. Barry Palmer (guitar): Barry Palmer was born on August 22, 1953 in Birmingham, England. He joined Triumvirat in 1979, replacing the band's original guitarist, Helmut Köllen. Palmer was previously a member of the band Supercharge and brought a more rock-oriented sound to Triumvirat's music. He remained with the band until their breakup in 1980.

Track List for Illusions On A Double Dimple:

Sure, here are all the tracks in the album 'Illusions On A Double Dimple' by the artist Triumvirat in order, with their play time and a brief description:

1. 'Illusions On A Double Dimple' (20:32) - This epic title track begins with a serene, acoustic guitar-driven intro that gradually builds into a full-blown prog rock masterpiece. The keyboard work is particularly impressive, featuring soaring solos and intricate layers of sound. The song features multiple sections, including a funky instrumental section and a dreamy, atmospheric interlude.

2. 'Eminor Shuffle' (3:46) - This instrumental piece serves as an interlude between the two halves of the album. It features a groovy, bluesy riff and some impressive keyboard and guitar solos.

3. 'Spartacus' (7:58) - The album's second epic track is a prog rock interpretation of the story of the gladiator Spartacus. The song features multiple sections, including an intense guitar-driven section and a beautiful, piano-led interlude. The keyboard work in this song is particularly impressive, with some soaring solos and intricate polyphony.

4. 'The Capital Of Power' (8:52) - This track is a biting commentary on the government and corporate power structures of the time. The song features some impressive keyboard and guitar work, including a soaring guitar solo and some funky organ riffs.

5. 'We're Rich On What We've Got' (5:09) - This upbeat, feel-good track is a refreshing change of pace after the intensity of the previous tracks. The song features some great piano and vocal work, as well as some jazzy guitar and saxophone solos.

Overall, 'Illusions On A Double Dimple' is a masterful prog rock album that showcases Triumvirat's impressive musicianship and songwriting prowess. Each track offers something unique and memorable, making it an essential listen for fans of the genre.

Discography for Triumvirat:

1. Mediterranean Tales (1972)
2. Illusions on a Double Dimple (1974)
3. Spartacus (1975)
4. Old Loves Die Hard (1976)
5. Pompeii (1977)
6. A la Carte (1978)
7. Russian Roulette (1980)
8. The Best of Triumvirat (1992)
9. Recollection (1995) (compilation album)
10. The Website Story (1998) (live album)
11. The Very Best of Triumvirat (1999) (compilation album)
12. The Capitol Years (2000) (compilation album)
13. Essential (2002) (compilation album)
14. Alive & Unplugged (2003) (live album)
15. The Official Bootleg Series: Vol. 1 (2004) (live album)
16. The Official Bootleg Series: Vol. 2 (2004) (live album)