Popol Vuh
Einsiäger Und Siebenjäger

The mystical caravan of Popol Vuh by Florian Fricke between 1970 and 1975 created genuine masterpieces: albums like "In Den Garten Pharaos" and "Hosianna Mantra" are brilliant gems that have brought prestige to the European avant-garde. After renouncing electronics and selling his Moog to Klaus Schulze, Fricke, with "Hosianna Mantra", embraced the untouched purity of acoustic instruments. Inspired by religions – the name Popol Vuh derives from the sacred book of the Quiqué Maya – Popol Vuh synthesized the different religious doctrines, seeking to highlight the common points among them. Their long and monotonous tracks aimed to instill a state of ecstasy and greater awareness in the listener. In the music of Popol Vuh, East and West merge in a remarkable mystical and metaphysical combination never surpassed again. Fricke had "the vision of things" and sought to expand the consciousness of the self by internalizing what was external. After the excellent "Seligpreisung" (1973), the subsequent "Einsiäger Und Siebenjäger" (1974) closes the golden period and represents the last masterpiece of Popol Vuh, although the group would continue with great commitment and dedication, always releasing noteworthy and respectable albums such as "Nosferatu", "Letze Tage letze Nachte", and "Die Nacht Der Seele".

"Einsiäger Und Siebenjäger" is the most psychedelic and progressive album by Popol Vuh and was practically composed by Fricke alone with the help of guitarist Daniel Fichelscher, already a drummer and guitarist with Amon Duul II. The album also features Olaf Kubler on flute and Korean singer Djong Jun, who had already helped to shine with her voice on "Hosianna Mantra". The lyrics are taken from "Salmi di Re Salomone", confirming Fricke's continuous inspiration from sacred texts. The first side is composed of 5 short tracks, small jewels wrapped in a sacred aura. The initial "Kleiner Krieger" envelops us with the psychedelic and layered sounds of Fichelscher's guitar. The subsequent "King Minos" is jazzy, with the guitar drawing crystalline embroidery over the piano notes. "Morgengruss" is always characterized by guitars: undoubtedly Fichelscher made a great contribution to this album. The next "Wurfelspiel" is a soft psychedelic tableau with clear West Coast flavors that refer to Grateful Dead and Quicksilver Messenger Service while the ethereal "Gutes Land" is a personal rendition of the "Agnus Dei". In the title-track, Djong Jun finally makes her appearance. The beginning is calm and mystical, with Fricke's mystical piano sounds standing out over which the Korean's voice stands while the mind and spirit return to the masterpiece "Hosianna Mantra". Then the sounds become of an unreal and moving refinement: the piano notes transport us to another dimension while the electric guitar starts to draw its psychedelic West Coast embroidery. The music is characterized by a very happy inspiration and continues in a jagged manner with great instrumental improvisations, bringing the group's music closer to progressive and psychedelia. Fricke is in a state of grace, and an epic and religious breath is felt. Then the atmosphere returns to mystical with Yun's voice accompanied by the piano and guitar, closing this track in a heavenly manner.

"Einsiäger Und Siebenjäger" is one of the best Popol Vuh albums ever and should not be missing from any collection. A monumental record witnessing an unrepeatable period of creativity when music was something profound and not superficial.