LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

CD reissue sourced from the original master tape, with extensive illustrated booklet

Originally released in 1980, War was Gravestone’s second album and the final recording from the German group’s early progressive period before they moved towards a more direct hard-rock and heavy-metal style. Twin electric guitars, keyboards and harmonica give the record a broad, powerful sound, while the arrangements leave plenty of room for instrumental development.

The album combines English- and German-language songs with the instrumental “Durchbruch ’80.” Its shorter pieces deliver concise, guitar-driven progressive rock, while the closing “Summer ’79” stretches beyond ten minutes through changing themes, atmospheric keyboard passages and extended lead-guitar work. This Garden of Delights edition was prepared from the original master tape and includes an extensive illustrated booklet.

1. War – 3:54
2. Waiting for Peace – 5:52
3. Durchbruch ’80 – 4:42
4. Mörike – 3:41
5. It’s Over – 2:58
6. Hascher-Blues – 4:37
7. Summer ’79 – 10:27