German band Electra was formed in 1969 by 5 students from the Dresden School of Music in what was then the eastern part of the divided Germany. They made a name for themselves by reinterpretating classical symphonic music using contemporary, electronic instruments as well as producing original compositions of elongated, progressive rock with a firm emphasis on elongated instrumental solos. They made their debut as Electra-Combo in 1974 with the album Electra Combo.
From 1975 and onwards they decided to stick with the shorter Electra band name. A string of critically acclaimed productions followed in the next few years, but in the 1980's the creative spirits of the band appeared to dwindle. Possibly due to the not too friendly politicial climate that developed in Eastern Germany in the final years before the iron curtain became history, perhaps due to line-up alterations or a general change of direction for the band.
But following the fall of the iron curtain, Germany reuniting as one nation and old members returning to the band they rediscovered their creative and artistic roots again. So far not documented on a studio album however, as their latest studio effort was recorded as far back as 1989 in the shape of Der Aufrechte Gang (although not released until 2004). But Electra has continued being a presence on stage over the years and are still a popular and active live unit as of 2012.
German band Electra was formed in 1969 by 5 students from the Dresden School of Music in what was then the eastern part of the divided Germany. They made a name for themselves by reinterpretating classical symphonic music using contemporary, electronic instruments as well as producing original compositions of elongated, progressive rock with a firm emphasis on elongated instrumental solos. They made their debut as Electra-Combo in 1974 with the album Electra Combo.
From 1975 and onwards they decided to stick with the shorter Electra band name. A string of critically acclaimed productions followed in the next few years, but in the 1980's the creative spirits of the band appeared to dwindle. Possibly due to the not too friendly politicial climate that developed in Eastern Germany in the final years before the iron curtain became history, perhaps due to line-up alterations or a general change of direction for the band.
But following the fall of the iron curtain, Germany reuniting as one nation and old members returning to the band they rediscovered their creative and artistic roots again. So far not documented on a studio album however, as their latest studio effort was recorded as far back as 1989 in the shape of Der Aufrechte Gang (although not released until 2004). But Electra has continued being a presence on stage over the years and are still a popular and active live unit as of 2012.