Formed in Viersen, Germany in 1971, Wallenstein is a progressive rock / krautrock group led by keyboardist and singer Jürgen Dollase. Like many bands from this period, the group’s line-up evolved over the years but some of the musicians connected with Wallenstein include bassist Jerry Berkers (until 1972), drummer Harald Grosskopf (until 1975) and singer Joachim "Kim" Merz (1978-1982). Throughout their decade long career, their musical style would change almost as often as their line-up. Originally known as Blitzkrieg, the group had to change their name to avoid confusion with a British band of the same name. Under the new name Wallenstein, they titled their 1972 debut album Blitzkrieg. Other albums in their catalog include Mother Universe (1972), Cosmic Century (1973) and Stories, Songs & Symphonies (1975). With changes on the musical horizon, Wallenstein adapted a more commercial sound on album such as No More Love (1977), Charline (1978), Blue Eyed Boys (1979), Fräuleins (1980) and SSSSS... Top (1981). By 1978, the band had relocated to Mönchengladbach, Germany and began receiving airplay with their shorter radio-friendly songs. Wallenstein charted with singles like 1978’s "Charline" (Number 17) and 1979’s "Don't Let It Be”. Wallenstein undertook their final tour in 1981 and split up the following year. In the 1990s, Jürgen Dollase became a restaurant critic and author of several cookbooks.
