Triumvirat - Old Loves Die Hard 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Album cover with photo of a Rat

In 1976, amidst a shifting musical landscape, German progressive rock band Triumvirat released their fourth studio album, "Old Loves Die Hard." This album marked a significant turning point for the band, both in terms of their sound and lineup. It was a time of transition for progressive rock as a whole, and Triumvirat's new direction reflected these changes.

Historical Context

By the mid-1970s, the initial wave of progressive rock's popularity was beginning to wane. Punk and new wave were emerging as fresh and rebellious alternatives, challenging the dominance of complex and lengthy compositions that characterized the genre. Triumvirat, like many of their contemporaries, found themselves adapting to this changing musical landscape.

Musical Exploration

"Old Loves Die Hard" saw Triumvirat toning down their symphonic elements and incorporating more concise song structures, perhaps in response to the shifting musical tastes of the time. While still retaining their signature keyboard-driven sound and intricate arrangements, the album featured shorter, more accessible tracks.

The addition of British vocalist Barry Palmer also marked a significant change in the band's sound. Palmer's powerful vocals brought a new dimension to Triumvirat's music, adding a touch of rock theatricality to their compositions.

Production Team and Studio

"Old Loves Die Hard" was produced by Triumvirat and engineered by Wolfgang Thierbach. The album was recorded at Dierks Studio in Cologne, Germany, a well-equipped facility known for its work with various German rock and pop artists.

Band Lineup The Triumvirat lineup on "Old Loves Die Hard" consisted of:

Jürgen Fritz - keyboards, vocals

Barry Palmer - lead vocals

Dick Frangenberg - bass, vocals

Hans Bathelt - drums, percussion

This album marked the first and only appearance of Barry Palmer as the band's lead vocalist. His addition brought a new energy and vocal style to Triumvirat's music.

Controversies

The release of "Old Loves Die Hard" sparked some controversy among fans and critics. Some purists felt that the band had compromised their progressive roots in favor of a more commercial sound. The addition of Palmer's vocals was also a point of contention, with some preferring the instrumental focus of their earlier work.

The rat on the front cover of Triumvirat's "Old Loves Die Hard" is a curious and somewhat controversial element of the album's artwork. While the band has not explicitly revealed the meaning behind this image, several interpretations have been proposed:

1. Symbolic Representation: The rat could symbolize various concepts relevant to the album's themes. It might represent the tenacity of old habits and relationships, as suggested by the title "Old Loves Die Hard." It could also symbolize survival instincts, resilience, or even the darker aspects of human nature.

2. Visual Metaphor: The magnifying glass through which the rat is viewed could be a metaphor for scrutiny and examination, suggesting that the album delves into the complexities of relationships and human behavior.

3. Attention-Grabbing Design: The unusual image of a rat, especially when magnified, is certainly attention-grabbing. It could be seen as a deliberate attempt to create a visually striking and memorable album cover that would stand out in record stores.

4. Marketing Strategy: Some have speculated that the rat cover was a marketing ploy intended to generate curiosity and intrigue, thereby boosting sales. The unconventional image could have appealed to fans of progressive rock, who often appreciated experimental and unconventional art.

5. No Specific Meaning: It's also possible that the rat image was chosen purely for aesthetic reasons, without any deeper symbolic meaning intended.

Regardless of the specific intention behind the rat cover, it remains a memorable and intriguing aspect of "Old Loves Die Hard." It adds another layer of mystery and interpretation to an album that already marked a significant turning point in Triumvirat's musical journey.