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The Berlin band Karthago (not to be confused with the later Hungarian rock band of the same name) was one of the most successful German rock bands in the early 1970s. They belonged to the elite of the German rock scene and had a large following in many European countries. The band was founded in 1971 by guitarist and singer Joey Albrecht, bassist Gerald Hartwig and then completed by Ingo Bischof (org, voc), Wolfgang Brock (dr, perc, voc) and Bolivian-born Thomas Pedro Goldschmidt (dr, perc, voc). Within a very short time, the quintet played their way to becoming one of the best-known rock acts on the German scene thanks to their energetic live performances. That's why they were offered a record deal by the new major label BASF immediately after their formation. In the same year, they recorded their self-titled debut album at the Audio Tonstudio in West Berlin.
It was released in 1972 with a very elaborately produced multi-foldout gimmick cover, designed by graphic designer J.H. Löffler, who had also created the cover art for albums such as Virus • Thoughts. Their powerful, hard progressive rock with elements of funk and Latin, delivered by virtuoso guitar playing, powerful vocals, creative and innovative piano and keyboard work, and Latin American percussion over a driving drum beat, thrilled critics and fans alike. This was followed by Europe-wide tours through numerous countries. In France, their debut album was even voted record of the month, even though it was never released there. Due to the limited initial pressing of their debut album, several reissues soon appeared on the market. The most sought-after is, of course, the original German first pressing from 1971 with its beautiful, playful gimmick cover.
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