Pyramid Peak

Artists: Axess
P: 2022
 

Artists: Axess
P: 2005
Axel Stupplich is back with his third solo effort outside of Pyramid Peak, Time Traveller. As with his previous releases, the emphasis is on energetic electronics and rhythms.
The title track is dance floor ready right out of the box, chugging along effusively from beginning to end. Much more relaxed is "The Uncertainty Principle," which slides into a cool groove and shuffles along quite enjoyably from there.
"Cuba Libre" is another moderately paced number, again a perfect balance between the beats and the cool synth sounds. Back we head on to the dance floor with "Fly Away," even more so than the opener. A light bright synth takes on the melody nicely. A quirky little bass sound brings up "Mirror Of Illusions," a growling churning sensual piece that is a lot of fun. Male chanting lends an ethnic touch to "Pharao," one of the very few dreamy atmospheric selections to be had. Though drums and bass do eventually arrive, it continues to move slow and easy. A lot of processed spoken vocals begin "Bombay Fruit Market," then an edgy aggressive synth totally makes me think of Jean-Michel Jarre when he’s having a techno moment. The word "fun" comes to mind often throughout Time Traveller, especially here. Crank it up, then take a breather for the ethereal 15-minute "World of Secrets" at the end.

2006. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

Here the last copy!

Artists: Project Andrew Rotten
P: 2005
Andreas is the second member of Pyramid Peak to go solo, the first being Axel Stupplich who records under the name Axess. Both artists will probably not like me saying this but to me this could so well have been solo Axess (from his first two albums) on the purely electronic numbers and Axess and Maxxess on those including guitar. Whatever, this is a fantastic album so please don't let little things like the name it is recorded under put you off. The title track gets things underway and initially it has a rather ominous feel. Echoing tones, some bright and others heavy bass, fade into the distance. Things turn quite melancholy then a slow rhythm starts up along with moody lead line. It all had a rather early eighties Tangerine Dream sound to me. A second lead, this time a real scorcher, increased the excitement so much it got my hand playing air keyboard. It gets even better with the introduction of a sequence, firing the second lead up once again to even more devastating effect than before. A superb way to open the album. 'Sharp Sequencer' lives up to its name by wasting no time in cranking up one of the said beasties immediately, some lovely wailing guitar giving extra bite. The guitar then seems to develop dual roles, one providing rhythm whilst the other provides awesome lead lines. This is so exciting! Guitar and electronics in perfect harmony. Absolutely stunning stuff.
'Again and Again' has quite a dramatic start with hissing effects before settling down to soft mellow pads. Things really kick in the second minute as a wonderful sequence and rhythm combination take centre stage. A wandering lead line gives a contrasting dreamy feel. The sequence morphs and becomes even faster increasing the excitement level still further. In the sixth minute it is all change with a new sequence and rhythm keeping things fresh for a final syncopated blast. 'Depression' is appropriately melancholy, slow rhythms and sequences providing a lovely moody atmos. A guitar enters in the second minute, growling low in the mix as a synth lead pulls at the heartstrings. Yet another superb track.
'X-Ray' initially has an almost bouncy Jarre, 'Oxygene' type feel to the sequence but as more elements are brought to play it develops a sort of happy jaunty character all of its own. A little 'tongue in cheek' maybe? 'Breath' is another very moody one, starting with deep drones, sinister sounds and effects and a lovely wistful three note melodic motif. The feel changes completely a couple of seconds later as a bright bouncy sequence makes an entrance. The pace quickens with the introduction of an excellent rhythm and before you know it things have morphed into one of those numbers that gets you driving way too fast. Again it all sounded like early eighties TD to me- and all done so well. It isn't all one paced either as the tempo rises and falls, tending to get moodier during the slower moments.
'Spiders on The Wall' is a real brooding number. It gets underway with some lovely melodic interplay setting a rather ominous searching mood through which a delicate sequence tiptoes. A slow rhythm falls into formation as we continue the steady build up. Next element to be added is a sort of virtual guitar sound, quite low in the mix, making things seem even more sinister. 'Pulse' has a lovely tranquil start. Little melodic flourishes add extra interest, like the Sun's first rays penetrating the gloom, then a lovely thick ballsy sequence comes in followed by a second exciting staccato one. The intensity starts to build and we are soon moving along at quite a scintillating pace. A sublime melody floats over the top contrasting beautifully with the powerful boiling main body of the track. There is still five minutes to go however- plenty of time to step up another gear or two and this is exactly what happens with the introduction of drums and more exciting leads then finally blistering guitar finishing the album with a real blast.
This is a superb CD. All the tracks are excellent and should be loved, as mentioned already, by anyone into Axess or indeed Axess and Maxxess.
 

Artists: Pyramaxx
P: 2015
If you like the music of maxxess and Pyramid Peak you will surely love this album. Mystic atmospheres, sparkling sequences and dynamic beats can be found on every track and Max’ soulful and perfectly played guitar runs like a golden thread through the CD.
 

Artists: Pyramaxx
P: 2017
After our CD Distance in 2015 here’s our next album: MOVE. Everybody who expects “just” a sequel to our bestseller Distance will be surprised. Some songs still contain the typical Pyramaxx-Style of progressive rock electronic music, but at the same time it has a strong influence of other electronic-music-styles with an excellent sound.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2011
A fabulous CD has become the new work by PP. Maxxess plays on 3 tracks with his guitar and gives the music a certain Pink Floyd feeling.
It tingles the only way to sequences en masse. This creates a music that is reminiscent of the works of Pink Floyd and represents the sequences a la TD around the 1980-1984 period. The musicians have what it takes, the electronic music even after 40 years is still alive and not boring at all. You will put this CD into your player again and again.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2013
Berlin School sequencer tracks at its best. Very good orchestration with melodic and bombastic synthesizersounds. Throughout melodic pieces with some extraordinary sounds around the theme of the CD.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 1998/ 2009
The band brings us another strong set of melodic, sequencer-infused electronic music.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2010
'Recorded live at the 'Dechenhöhle', a cave in Germany, on 24th October 2009. Long ambienttextures with sequencing and some Berlin School influences. The music starts, as if you enter the cave and more and more sounds, melodies and sequences appear.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2005
The sound of water droplets provides an appropriate start to the opening title track. Soft pads act like a lonesome sigh. After a very atmospheric four minutes a tuneful sequence starts up joined by narration which sets the scene. The sequences surge and a slow lead line floats over the top.
A collage of chaotic sounds gets 'Beasts on the Hill' underway. These then depart as a bright melodic sequence shines through like the sun shinning between the clouds after a storm. There are some vocal samples then the dark effects return. We are left to float on mournful pads. A slow bass line can just be heard low in the mix then another melodic sequence (almost like something you would find on a Software album) rises to the surface. Beautiful but subtle lead lines make an entrance. This really is wonderful stuff.
'Natural Shapes' incorporates a brooding pulse with contrasting light pads and shimmers. It's is a lovely delicate little number.
As we drift into 'Lord of Nature' things take a more symphonic twist. A tinkling sequence takes us forwards. Virtual electric guitar gives that added bite. A melodic lead line softens things again but even so the piece seems to be gaining momentum as it progresses towards the half way mark.
After this the sequence sets into a sort of holding pattern before fading away to atmospherics which takes us to 'In a Dark Time'. Bleak windy effects and cosmic whooshes bring up images of a strange alien landscape. In the third minute the mood becomes softer then a jaunty sequence bubbles from the speakers. Lead touches are added, as is a steady rhythm. An even faster sequence falls into formation alongside the first then we get some exquisite melodic stabs that hit the spot perfectly. Further tuneful lead lines come in, one answering the other. Absolutely wonderful - the best track on the album so far.
'Serpents of the Den' returns us to the water-dripping cave along with more atmospherics and narration.
'Flowing with Birds' carries on then the pace quickens on the back of a splashing sequence. A slow rhythm comes in providing just the right structure over which floats a lovely delicate melody.
'The Mind Enters Itself' continues in similar mood but this time the sequences seem to be more urgent. Additional sequencer lines and rhythms then come in increasing the excitement still further.
More narration and a sudden crash seem to conclude the story but leave us with one final track, 'Drifting'. Initially it is all you would expect with a title such as that but in the third minute sequences and then rhythms surge forward. Excellent leads, one after another, complete the picture superbly.

Another highlight.

2005. DL

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2001/2006
Here one more time all the excellent habits of the three musicians come together. Also Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock joines with his guitar in one track.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 1999
Lots of Berlin school sequencing. A great combination of 3 versatile EM-musicians.
 

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2000/ 2006
One of the most impressive CDs of the group. Berlin School style with the melodic Pyramid Peak touch.

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2017
This release is just like a look back into 30 years of history, that the mebers of the group know each other. The sound is probably the most emotional release of the group.
 

Artists: Pyramid Peak
P: 2020
With their 10th CD, Pyramid Peak demonstrate that, even after more than 30 years after their foundation, they still belong to the absolute top of the German electronic music scene. Symmetry is a typical album of the two friends from Leverkusen with pulsating sequences, catchy melodies and powerful soundscapes. The opener "Countdown" already shows where the journey is going on this CD and the classic Pyramid Peak sound runs like a red thread up to the almost epic final track "Dimension X". As with every album by the band, the CD cover design of Symmetry is again perfectly matched to the theme of the music and a real eye-catcher on the CD shelf. Musically the new album ties in seamlessly with the anniversary CD Roots from 2018 and is a real purchase recommendation for every electronic music lover.

Artist: Schönwälder, Fanger, Keller,
P: 2022
LTD 444
This is a compilation of unreleased tracks from all the artists of the Manikin Label.
Another decade has passed. Manikin Records has now been in existence for 30 years. A fact that I would not have thought possible 30 years ago. But this fire is still burning. Making music with electronic sound generators, together with my friends in four very different music projects: Broekhuis, Keller & Schönwälder, Fanger & Schönwälder, Filter Coffee and Control Room. Again, Raughi Ebert, Lutz-Graf-Ulbrich and Thomas Kagermann were in on it. And then there were two productions by musician friends in the past decade: Menzman and Pyramid Peak. The result is another CD with previously unreleased recordings by musicians who released music on Manikin Records between 2012 and 2022. Take a journey through the electronic sound world of Manikin Records.
I thank very many people who have accompanied me on this long journey from 1992 until today and will continue to do so. Without you, all this would never have been possible. The journey continues....

In memory of Thomas Fanger († 02.03.2022).