OMEGA - III 12" Vinyl LP Album

- QUADROPHONIC QUADRO BLPS 19191

Omega III, released in 1973, was a groundbreaking progressive rock album by the band Omega. It showcased intricate compositions, diverse instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics. The album notably embraced quadrophonic sound, an innovative audio technology that utilized four channels for a more immersive listening experience. While quadrophonic sound didn't achieve mainstream success, Omega III remains a cult classic among progressive rock fans and audiophiles, celebrated for its musical and technical innovation.

Omega III: A Quadrophonic Exploration of Progressive Rock

In the heart of the progressive rock era, a groundbreaking album emerged that pushed the boundaries of both musical exploration and audio technology. Released in 1973, Omega's third album, simply titled "Omega III," was a sonic journey that embraced the then-novel concept of quadrophonic sound.

Historical Context

The early 1970s marked a period of immense creativity and experimentation in the music industry. Progressive rock bands were at the forefront of this movement, crafting complex compositions, incorporating diverse instrumentation, and delving into lyrical themes that often touched upon social and philosophical issues. Omega III was a product of this fertile ground, emerging as a testament to the band's willingness to push the boundaries of their art.

Musical Exploration

Omega III showcased the band's mastery of progressive rock. The album featured intricate arrangements, extended instrumental passages, and a dynamic range that kept listeners engaged throughout its entirety. Tracks like "Time Robber" and "200 Years After the Last War" exemplified the band's ability to blend rock sensibilities with elements of classical, jazz, and even folk music. The album's lyrics often touched upon themes of time, war, and social commentary, further enriching the listening experience.

Quadrophonic Sound: A Sonic Revolution

One of the most notable aspects of Omega III was its embrace of quadrophonic sound. Unlike traditional stereo recordings, which utilized two channels, quadrophonic sound employed four channels to create a more immersive and enveloping listening experience. This innovative approach allowed for a greater sense of spatial awareness and depth in the music. While quadrophonic sound ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption, it remains a fascinating chapter in the history of audio technology.

Music Genre:

Hungarian Psych Prog Rock

Album Production information:

The album: "Omega III" was produced by: Peter Hauke

  • Peter Hauke – Producer / Sound Engineer

    My ears know his mixes: prog that breathes, rock that bites.

    Peter Hauke, Peter Hauke is a German producer and sound engineer, and in my book he flies the mixing desk like a cockpit: calm hands, sharp ears, zero mercy for mud. To my ears, his early-1970s run with Nektar (1971-1974, including "Remember the Future") nailed that widescreen space-rock glide, then mid-1970s work with Omega pushed prog into colder, grander atmospheres. Late-1970s, he locked in Supermax's groove-and-punch, and by the late 1970s into mid-1980s Hotline Studios in Frankfurt became his home base, producing Tony Carey's Planet P material with a tight, radio-ready snap.

  • Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Dieter Dierks

  • Dieter Dierks – Producer & Sound Engineer

    The German studio wizard who helped turn Scorpions into a worldwide export (and gave plenty of other bands that big, shiny bite).

    Dieter Dierks is one of those credit-line names that changes the temperature in the room. I see it, and I already expect the sound to come out glossy and slightly smug—in a good way, most of the time.

    Before the big, billboard-sized rock thing, he was down in that late-’60s / mid-’70s German underground swirl—krautrock territory, the kind of sessions where “weird” wasn’t a phase, it was the point. Stuff like early studio work with Tangerine Dream and Ash Ra Tempel. You can hear what that era taught him: how to bottle chaos without letting it turn to mush.

    Then he locks in with Scorpions, mid-’70s through 1988, and suddenly the same hands that could catch the strange stuff are building arena walls. From the raw bite of “In Trance” to the polished roar of “Savage Amusement,” he’s basically the guy behind the curtain making sure the knives look sharp and the hooks hit like they mean it.

    In the ’80s the net gets wider—Stommeln studios and beyond—pulling in hard rock and metal names like Dokken, Black ’n Blue, and Plasmatics. And then, in 1985, he even jumps over to the U.S. to produce Twisted Sister’s “Come Out and Play,” because apparently his passport also had a “make it bigger” stamp.

    My favorite detail, though? Rory Gallagher preferred recording at night at Dierks’ place. That tells you more than a paragraph of praise ever could. Some rooms just sound better after midnight—and some producers probably do too.

  • This album was recorded August 1974 at: Dierks Studios, Germany,

    Record Label & Catalognr:

    Bacilus Records BLPS 19191 Q

    Manufactured by Bellaphon

    Media Format:

    12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play  Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 210 gram  

    Year & Country:

    1974 Made in Germany
    Band Members and Musicians on: Omega III Quadro Quadrophonie
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Kobor Janos - Lead Vocals, Percussion
    • Benko Laszlo - Organ, Moog Synthesizer, Vocals
    • Mihaly Tamas - Bass, Mellotron, Vocals
    • Molnar Gyorgy - Guitars, 12-String Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
    • Debreceni Ferenc - Drums, Percussion
    Complete Track Listing of: "Omega III"

    The Songs/tracks on "Omega III" are

      Side One:
    1. Stormy Fire
    2. Spanish Guitar
    3. Go on the Spree
    4. Remembering
    5. Everytime She steps in
      Side Two:
    1. Live as Long as
    2. Just a Bloom
    3. I go Away
    4. Fancy Jeep

    Front Cover Photo Of OMEGA - III Quadro Blps 19191 Q Quadrophonic 12" Vinyl LP

     

    OMEGA - III Quadro Blps 19191 Q Quadrophonic 12" Vinyl LP
 front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

     Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

    Photo Of The Back Cover OMEGA - III Quadro Blps 19191 Q Quadrophonic 12" Vinyl LP

     

    OMEGA - III Quadro Blps 19191 Q Quadrophonic 12" Vinyl LP
 back cover

    Close up of Side One record's label OMEGA - III Quadro Blps 19191 Q Quadrophonic 12" Vinyl LP

    "III By Omega" Record Label Details: BACILLUS Records BLPS 19191 Q

    "III By Omega" Record Label Details: BACILLUS Records BLPS 19191 Q

    Omega: 50+ Years of Progressive Rock Innovation - The Complete Vinyl Discography from Red Star to the Last Hour,

    OMEGA - Gammapolis
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    In the heart of the Cold War era, Hungarian rock band Omega released "Gammapolis," a groundbreaking progressive rock album that defied both musical and political boundaries.

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    OMEGA - Hall of Floaters in the Sky (BACILLUS Versions)
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    Released in 1975, Hungarian rock band Omega's "The Hall of Floaters in the Sky" became a significant landmark in their career and a testament to their ability to navigate the complexities of creating rock music within a communist state.

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    OMEGA - III Quadro
    OMEGA - III Quadro  album front cover vinyl record

    In the heart of the progressive rock era, a groundbreaking album emerged that pushed the boundaries of both musical exploration and audio technology. Released in 1973, Omega's third album, simply titled "Omega III," was a sonic journey that embraced the then-novel concept of quadrophonic sound.

    III Quadro 12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA - S/T Self-Titled 
    OMEGA - S/T Self-Titled  album front cover vinyl record

    Released in 1973, Omega's self-titled debut album stands as a landmark in Hungarian rock history. Emerging during a time of political and cultural upheaval, the album not only pushed musical boundaries but also reflected the spirit of a generation seeking freedom of expression.

    OMEGA - Self-Titled  12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA -  On Tour 
    OMEGA -  On Tour   album front cover vinyl record

    Released in 1977, Omega's "On Tour" album stands as a unique entry in their discography. Despite its title, the album does not contain any live recordings. Instead, it's a compilation of studio tracks, some previously unreleased, capturing the band's progressive rock sound during a pivotal period

    On Tour  12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA - Skyrover
    OMEGA - Skyrover  album front cover vinyl record

    Released in 1978 under the title "Csillagok útján" (On the Way of Stars) in Hungary and later as "Skyrover" internationally, this album marked a significant shift in Omega's musical direction. While still rooted in progressive rock, the album embraced a more cosmic and space-themed sound

    Skyrover 12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA - Time Robber
    OMEGA - Time Robber album front cover vinyl record

    Released in 1976, Omega's "Time Robber" (or "Időrabló" in Hungarian) marks a significant juncture in the band's evolution. The album's distinct sides showcase the band's versatility, blending symphonic rock with psychedelic influences, and drawing comparisons to early Pink Floyd.

    Time Robber 12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA - Working
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    Released in 1981, Omega's "Working" album marked a significant departure from their earlier progressive rock sound. Embracing the burgeoning new wave movement, the album showcased a streamlined, synth-driven sound with a focus on catchy melodies and danceable rhythms.

    Working 12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA - XI
    OMEGA - XI  album front cover vinyl record

    By the early 1980s, the new wave craze was beginning to wane, and many bands were returning to their original genres. Omega, having explored the new wave landscape, felt a renewed sense of purpose in their established progressive rock style. "XI" was a statement album, a reaffirmation of their identity

    XI 12" Vinyl LP