walpurgis

• Format: CD, album reissue, expanded edition
• Bonus Material: Three rare recordings, including two festival-sampler tracks and an early 1968 version of “Repent Walpurgis”
• Packaging: Jewel case with an extensive illustrated booklet featuring the band’s history, photographs, discographical information and reproductions of the original artwork and labels

Originally released in 1969, Walpurgis was the sole album by Swiss group The Shiver and has become one of the most sought-after psychedelic and progressive-rock records from continental Europe. Its combination of distorted guitar, Hammond-style organ, blues-based songwriting and dark theatrical atmosphere is complemented by an extraordinary gatefold cover created by H. R. Giger.

The group developed from the Swiss beat and rhythm-and-blues scene, but by the time of this album its music had become considerably heavier and more adventurous. Dany Rühle’s fuzz guitar and harmonica frequently compete with Jelly Pastorini’s organ and piano, while English singer Peter Robinson gives the material a forceful, blues-influenced vocal presence.

The album opens with an extended interpretation of “Repent Walpurgis,” transforming the dramatic instrumental into a dense progressive performance built around organ, guitar and shifting dynamics. The brief “Ode To The Salvation Army” acts as an unusual transition into “Leave This Man Alone,” where an insistent rhythm and prominent keyboards support one of Robinson’s strongest performances.

“What’s Wrong About The Blues” retains the group’s rhythm-and-blues roots but surrounds them with psychedelic guitar and organ textures. “Hey Mr. Holy Man” is more concise and melodic, while the band’s interpretation of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” gives the familiar song a raw, heavy arrangement.

“No Time” and “The Peddle” complete the original album with contrasting combinations of melodic rock, blues and psychedelic improvisation. The resulting record is varied but unified by its rough production, powerful instrumental sound and distinctly ominous atmosphere.

This expanded Garden of Delights edition adds “You Don’t Love Me” and “Hear My Plea,” originally issued on the exceptionally rare 1. Schweizer Rhythm and Blues Festival compilation. It concludes with an early version of “Repent Walpurgis” from a 1968 split single with The Etc, bringing together The Shiver’s complete originally released output.

Track Listing

1. Repent Walpurgis – 7:10
2. Ode To The Salvation Army – 0:38
3. Leave This Man Alone – 5:15
4. What’s Wrong About The Blues – 5:15
5. Hey Mr. Holy Man – 3:15
6. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood – 4:40
7. No Time – 2:50
8. The Peddle – 4:45
9. You Don’t Love Me – 3:00 – bonus track
10. Hear My Plea – 4:05 – bonus track
11. Repent Walpurgis – 7:21 – early 1968 version; bonus track