Ainigma ~ Germany

Diluvium (1973)

Moving further along in 1998 comes the next album I haven't heard since that time. Ainigma are something of an anomaly for German rock in the early 70s. This is not Krautrock as we know the term. In fact it sounds more American. Like a 1968 garage act moving into psychedelic and hard rock. Though most of those bands were only able to scratch out one 45 two sider, with Diluvium you get a full album and these songs are stretched way beyond their natural life. Nothing wrong with that of course. The music is raw, filled with fuzz tone guitar and 60s vintage organ sounds. Songwriting is an afterthought to nonexistent. I suppose Deep Purple would also perform similar in a live setting, but believe me, this is far more primitive. And yes they were only 15 to 17 when they created this LP. The miracle is that it was recorded and released, rather than this kind of music existed back then in Germany. I'm sure there were plenty of similar type bands running around that great nation that never got close to a studio. It's a no wonder collectors have been seeking this title out. Probably since 1974. 

As is Little Wing's custom, they would release LPs in a more elaborate cover than the original. In this case, it's a much welcomed addition. The gatefold cover is far more intriguing than the basic black and white single sleeve of the original. Also the inner bag goes to great lengths to tell us that the music of Diluvium has been "carefully reconstructed by Willy Kluter himself." I have not heard any of the other reissues to know if they used this version or went with the original master tapes. Though in reading the liner notes of the GoD version (online) it appears they did go with a Kluter remaster (maybe a new one though for CD).

Ownership: 1992 Little Wing of Refugees (LP). Gatefold. Silver sticker. One bonus track. Inner bag has a short history. Supposedly numbered, it's obvious not all copies were as even the Discogs stock copy is missing it. As is mine. Probably sold more than 500 copies originally, which back then would have been realistic.

1998 (acquired); 7/30/25 (review / new entry)