OMEGA - S/T Self-titled 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Hungarian Prog Psych Stoner Rock

Red album cover with a yellow tilted Omega (Ω) symbol in the upper-right corner on a plain background

Omega's 1973 self-titled debut, recorded at Dierks Studio in Germany, is a cornerstone of Hungarian rock. Blending psychedelic, progressive, and hard rock elements, the album faced controversy for its Western influence. Powerful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and catchy melodies resonated with a generation seeking freedom of expression, solidifying Omega's place as pioneers of Hungarian rock.

Omega's Self-Titled Debut: A Hungarian Prog Psych Stoner Rock Odyssey

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.

Historical Context

The early 1970s marked a period of increasing Western influence in Hungary, with rock music gaining traction among the youth. Omega, having already established themselves as pioneers in the Hungarian rock scene, sought to expand their horizons by recording their debut album at the renowned Dierks Studio in Germany.

Musical Exploration

Recorded in April 1973 at Dierks Studio, Omega's self-titled album is a captivating blend of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and hard rock elements. The band's sound, influenced by Western rock giants like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, is characterized by soaring vocals, powerful guitar riffs, intricate keyboard melodies, and a rhythmic drive that propels the music forward. Tracks like "Everytime She Steps In" and "White Magic Stone" showcase the band's ability to craft memorable melodies and create a sonic landscape that is both ethereal and grounded.

Controversies

Despite recording in Germany, Omega's debut album faced its share of controversies upon its release in Hungary. The band's Western-inspired sound and rebellious image often clashed with the conservative cultural norms of the time. Some critics accused the band of promoting Western decadence and undermining socialist values. However, Omega's music resonated with a generation of young Hungarians who saw it as a form of liberation and a means of expressing their frustrations and aspirations.

Recording Studio

Dierks Studio, located in Stommeln, Germany, was a well-respected recording facility known for its work with numerous international rock bands. The studio's state-of-the-art equipment and experienced engineers allowed Omega to capture their sound with clarity and precision, resulting in a polished and powerful debut album.

Music Genre:

  Prog Rock, Psych, Acid   

Production Information: 

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.

    • Recorded April 1973 Dierks Studio,

    Sound Engineer: 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.

    Dieter Dierks Wiki

    • Photography: Dieter Weis,

    Cover Design: Wenske

    Album Packaging:

    Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, 
    Record Label:  Bacillus BAC 2017

    Media Format:

    12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

    Year & Country:

    1973 Made in Germany
    Band Members and Musicianson: OMEGA Self-titled Hungarian Prog Psych

    Complete Track Listing of: OMEGA Self-titled Hungarian Prog Psych
      Side One:
    1. Everytime she steps in
    2. After a hard year
    3. Delicate Sweep
    4. Parting Song
      Side Two:
    1. The Bird
    2. The Lying Girl
    3. White Magic Stone x
    Photos of the LP's cover: OMEGA Self-titled Hungarian Prog Psych
    Red album cover with a yellow tilted Omega (Ω) symbol in the upper-right corner on a plain background

    The album front cover features a minimalistic design dominated by a bold red background. In the upper-right corner, there is a yellow, stylized “Ω” (Omega) symbol, tilted slightly, giving the cover a sleek and modern aesthetic. There are no other text or visual elements, making the design striking in its simplicity.

    Photo of OMEGA on the inside of the gatefold cover

    High Resolution Photo of OMEGA Self-titled Hungarian Prog Psych  

    High Resolution Photo of OMEGA Self-titled Hungarian Prog Psych  

    High Resolution Photo of OMEGA Self-titled Hungarian Prog Psych  

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

    OMEGA - Gammapolis
    OMEGA - Gammapolis album front cover vinyl record

    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.

    Gammapolis 12" Vinyl LP
    OMEGA - Hall of Floaters in the Sky (BACILLUS Versions)
    OMEGA - Hall of Floaters in the Sky (BACILLUS Versions) album front cover vinyl record

    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.

    - Hall of Floaters in the Sky (BAC 2935) - Hall of Floaters in the Sky (BLPS 19220)
    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
    OMEGA - Working album front cover vinyl record

    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