Necronomicon - "Tip Zum Selbstmord" 1972

Necronomicon from Aachen, Germany, was one of the very few progressive bands using German lyrics. The band was founded in 1970 by Walter Sturm (guitar/vocals), Norbert Bruer (guitar/vocals), and Gerd Libber (bass). Only a short while after beginning, Harald Bernhard (drums), and Fistus Dickman (keyboards) joined the project. The band's name was the title of an H.P. Lovecraft book. They were the first German band to use this name, long before the appearance of the contemporary thrash metal band bearing the same name.

In 1971, Detley Hackenbeck took over on bass, and in 1972, Bernhard Hock became the band's bass player. During the first years, Necronomicon played covers, in English, from such bands as John Mayall, Pink Floyd, Ten Yearsa After, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, and Deep Purple. The lyrics of their first original works were in English as well. They even thought of releasing an album of them entitled: "History of a Planet." Yet, before the record would have been released, the began singing their lyrics in German, written by Norbert Bruer, with the purpose of drawing more attention to topics they felt were important at the time: thoughtless abuse of nature, overpopulation, exploitation, injustice and violence.

In the spring of 1972, they had six tracks, which they recorded in a very small studio in the Dutch town Kerkrade on a Revox double track tape machine. The L.P. was mastered by the Carl Lindstrom GmbH, Cologne, and 500 copies were pressed. The title: "Tip Zum Selbstmord" (How to Commit Suicide) isn't meant as an instruction on how to end ones personal life, it rather refers to mankind, which is devastating the Earth, and thus destroying it's own basis for living. With the self made cover they had something extraordinary in mind; it folds out five times, and in consequence, has six squares, which builds a cross when it's unfolded. While one of it's sides is blank, the other filled with drawings by Harald Bernhard. This unique concept of the band's name, the music, the lyrics, and the records title found it's completion with this design and the according illustrations.
In 1973, Dieter Ose took over the keyboards from Fistus Dickman, and Gerd Libber was back on bass. Walter Sturm, who, in the meantime, had quit the band for one year to play with Rufus Zuphall, rejoined the band in 1974.

In 1976, Necronomicon split up. However, some members didn't come to terms with this and carried on with the name. At this point, they began using English lyrics. All forms of the band had split up for good in 1981. Then in 2010/2011, the band reformed and is now playing once more.
Official Webpage

"Tip Zum Selbstmord" Playlist