Night Sun
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Mannheim and Heidelberg , Germany |
| Products | Music albums |
Night Sun was a German band specializing in hard rock and heavy metal, hailing from Mannheim and Heidelberg, active between 1970 and 1973. The group consisted of Bruno Schaab (bass, vocals), Walter Kirchgessner (guitar), Knut Rossler (organ, saxophone), and Ulrich Staudt (drums).
Their only album, Mournin' (1972), came out under Polydor's Zebra imprint. Kirchgessner's guitar style was often likened to Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore, while Schaab’s vocal delivery bore resemblance to Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. This record showcased a heavy progressive approach driven by lead guitar, organ, bass, and drums. It was produced by Konrad Plank—renowned for collaborations with Kraftwerk and Ash Ra Tempel—at Hamburg’s Windrose Studio.
Night Sun distinguished themselves through intricate rhythmic changes, interplay between guitar and organ riffs, and the use of studio effects such as phasing, steering clear of conventional boogie and rock’n’roll tropes. Their sound integrated influences that would resonate with enthusiasts of Thrash, Stoner, Doom, Power, and Progressive metal genres rooted in the 1970s.
History
Night Sun evolved from the late 1960s jazz ensemble Take Five, which enjoyed popularity across Germany’s Rhine Neckar region.
Originally called Night Sun Mournin', the band shortened their name prior to recording their 1972 album Mournin'. Despite achieving some regional recognition, the group disbanded in 1973 following Kirchgessner’s exit in 1972.
After the split, Bruno Schaab briefly became part of Guru Guru, making a significant contribution to the track "The Story Of Life". Meanwhile, Walter Kirchgessner pursued classical music, performing cello with various symphony orchestras and string quartets.
Discography
Their discography includes one LP:
- 1972 - Mournin' - Zebra 2949 004
Tracklist 1. Plastic Shotgun (2:34) 2. Crazy Woman (4:22) 3. Got A Bone Of My Own (7:45) 4. Slush Pan Man (4:25) 5. Living With The Dying (5:31) 6. Come Down (5:48) 7. Blind (4:24) 8. Nightmare (3:16) 9. Don't Start Flying (3:07)
Total duration: 41:12
In 1997, the album was reissued on CD in digipak format by Second Battle SB 041.
External links
- Night Sun reviews at Prog Archives
- [ Kin Ping Meh discography at Allmusic.com]