Mephisto Walz - Crocosmia

Crocosmia is a well-regarded compilation album by the gothic rock band Mephisto Walz, generally receiving positive reviews from fans and critics in the goth scene. It's considered an essential release for fans of the genre, particularly for its connection to the early days of Christian Death. 

The first incarnation of Mephisto Walz started in Dusseldorf in February 1986, with original members Bari-Bari (the band’s sole songwriter), Johann, and Arndt (drums), plus a German vocalist called Jörge. The name Mephisto Walz was proposed by Johann. They rehearsed songs mainly written by Bari-Bari, but also added soundscapes such as “Aboriginee Requiem”. The band’s eponymous debut album was released on Italian label Supporti Fonografici that same year. In 1987 they moved to Los Angeles, without Johann.

In 1988, Bari-Bari started working on tracks with Steven Grey in Hollywood at a studio where the former worked. They regrouped with David Hermon (bass), Mondo (vox) and Nariki Shimooka (guitar). Playing the first EP and some of Bari-Bari's Christian Death material they added new songs that would later be released on the “Crocosmia”, “Terra-Regina” and “Thalia” labels. During this period, what would later become "Mephisto Walz Rarities 1989" were recorded live in studio.

In 1991, Christianna was brought in as vocalist as Bari-Bari felt that male vocals were too similar to Williams and Christian Death. William Faith was added on bass at the same time. An association with Gymnastic Records was started with the compilation "American Gothic", which featured Mephisto Walz’s "Tangia". “Crocosmia” was then recorded for European release, consisting of new tracks and some older tracks redone with Christianna on vocals.

Ripped to MP3

1. Aboriginee Requiem 05:46

2. Spoken Word 02:33

3. Eternal Deep 03:37

4. Tribal Conflicts 04:21

5. Porcelain Gods 03:45

6. Oh Fallen Angel 04:49

7. Painted Black 03:03

8. Nicole 04:05

9. Der Sack 02:28

10. Dear Familiar Phantoms 03:59

11. Hunter's Trail 04:51

12. Tangia 04:36

13. Staccotto 04:18

14. Aboriginee Requiem (Twilight Version) 05:00