Amon Düül II were one of the foundational and most adventurous bands of Krautrock. Born from a radical artists’ commune in late-1960s Munich, they made wild, psychedelic, cosmic music that fused rock, folk and the avant-garde — and their early albums are landmarks of the entire genre. Here is our fellow fan’s ranking of their classic era.

The short version

For the heart of Amon Düül II, start with Yeti, Tanz der Lemminge, Phallus Dei and Wolf City. Between them they hold the band’s landmark masterpiece and the peaks of both sides of their sound. The full ranking is below.

Krautrock’s wild heart

The more musically accomplished offshoot of the original Amon Düül collective, the band split their catalogue roughly in two: an early improvisational period of sprawling, hallucinatory jams (Phallus Dei, Yeti, Tanz der Lemminge), and a later compositional period of tighter songs (from Carnival in Babylon on). The shift divided fans then and now — but both phases have their treasures. A word for newcomers: this is demanding, freewheeling psychedelic music, closer to early Pink Floyd than to any pop song. A note on the catalogue: the eight albums here are their classic 1969–1975 run, with later albums beyond.

How we ranked them

This is one fan’s order, weighing invention, atmosphere and influence across their golden years. The facts are accurate; the order is a starting point for the debate — and with music this freewheeling, your own map may look very different.

The essential four

At the summit sits Yeti (1970), a sprawling double album widely called one of the cornerstones of all Krautrock — trippy, ferocious and utterly singular. Tanz der Lemminge (1971) is its ambitious successor, built from four extended suites, and the debut Phallus Dei (1969) is a wild, largely improvised landmark of the form. From the band’s compositional turn, Wolf City (1972) is the savage, song-based peak — home to the definitive “Surrounded by the Stars” — and the equal of anything from the early years.

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Reliably great

The next tier rewards the adventurous. Carnival in Babylon (1972) is the mellower, more folk-tinged album that began their compositional period — divisive at the time, but quietly lovely — and Vive la Trance (1973) is a varied, more accessible set with real highlights.

For completists

Two later albums sit lower. Hijack (1974) and Made in Germany (1975) push further toward conventional, polished rock — the latter an ambitious concept album about German history — and both divide listeners far more than the early classics. Intriguing, but not where newcomers should begin.

The classic era, in order

Their classic era, 1969–1975, in chronological order — with later albums beyond it. Click through to the full write-up on any record.

Where to start

Begin with Yeti — their masterpiece, and the fullest expression of their wild, improvisational genius. From there, Wolf City offers their tighter, song-based side at its best, while Phallus Dei captures the raw thrill of where it all began.

The players

Amon Düül II were a true collective, with a fluid, ever-changing lineup drawn from their Munich commune. At the core were guitarist and violinist Chris Karrer and guitarist John Weinzierl, the band’s principal writers, and the striking vocalist Renate Knaup, alongside keyboardist Falk Rogner and a rotating cast of drummers and bassists. Early member Daniel Fichelscher went on to Popol Vuh, while bassist Dave Anderson left to join Hawkwind. Several of the band, including co-founder Chris Karrer, have since passed away, but their adventurous spirit lives on in the music.

Why they still matter

Amon Düül II were among the boldest pioneers of progressive and psychedelic music — a band who turned commune chaos into some of the most thrilling, untamed records of their age. Alongside fellow German visionaries like Can and Faust, they helped make Krautrock one of the most fearless movements in rock history — and their best albums still sound like nothing else.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: read about the best Amon Düül II songs, or dig up the most underrated Amon Düül II albums. You can also place them in the bigger picture with our list of the best progressive rock albums of all time.

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