Hosianna Mantra, Popol Vuh’s third album was a departure from the band’s first two records. Leader Florian Fricke abandoned the use of the Moog synthesiser and instead employed acoustic instrumentation (piano, oboe and tambura). The record also featured evocative vocals by Korean singer Djong Yun and guitar contributions from Conny Veit.

 

The resulting album was one of the most evocative and beautiful works to emerge from Germany in the 1970s and its fusion of ethnic, classical and ambient influences remains unique.

 

2025 Esoteric Recordings edition cut at Abbey Road Studios.