Post Description

German band FAITHFUL BREATH was formed in Bochum in 1967, founded by Heinz Mikus (vocals, guitar) and Horst Stabenov (bass) when they left MAGIC POWER in order to set up a new band. They were joined by Reinhold Immig (guitar), Walter Scheuer (guitar) and Jürgen Fischer (drums).

The choice of band name came from another person though, namely Georg Grebe (bass); who was briefly involved with the band as a replacement for Stabenov while he was away for a few weeks. A musician called Boggie Kopec was also briefly involved with the band at the start, and some time later in 1967 Ulrich Bock (saxophone) joined for a somewhat longer tenure.

In 1969 Immig left, and a few months later Fischer was out too. Immig was never replaced, and it took the band two years to get a replacement for Fischer, namely Jürgen Weritz (drums), who joined the band in 1971.

When 1972 was written on the calendar Block had left the band for health reasons, and at the end of the same year Scheuer left the outfit as well; replaced by Manfred von Buttlar (keyboards), formerly of MAMA WERWOLL.

The addition of von Buttlar saw the band change musical directions, and they started exploring a more typical symphonic rock oriented sound at this time. When they entered the recording studio in 1973 the result of this was a fine progressive rock album named "Fading Beauty". Renate Heemann (backing vocals) was briefly involved with the band at this point in time.

1977 saw FAITHFUL BREATH enter the recording studio again, this time as a five-piece following the addition of Jürgen Renfordt (vocals). The results of this session was the single "Stick in Your Eyes / Back on My Hill" issued in 1977 and then the full length production "Back on My Hill" released in 1980. After this second album FAITHFUL BREATH disbanded.



Line-up :

Renate Heemann - Vocals
Heinz Mikus - Guitar
Horst Stabenow - Bass
Manfred von Buttlar - Keyboards
Jürgen Weritz - Drums

Tracklist:

1. Autumn Fantasia: Fading Beauty 12:08  
2. Autumn Fantasia: Lingering Cold 10:25  
3. Tharsis 21:38
  
Total playing time 44:11