TAIPAN taipan 6.26063AP

Obscure German Hard Rock: Taipan’s Self-Titled Debut (6.26063 AP)

Today’s entry dives into the deep end of 1980s European hard rock. We are looking at the 1984 self-titled album by Taipan, released on the German label Macho (a sub-label of Teldec) with the catalog number 6.26063 AP.

Hamburg Heavy Metal

While the band name might suggest Australian origins (sharing a name with the famous venomous snake), this particular Taipan—distinguished as “Taipan (7)” in collector databases—is a product of the vibrant German rock scene. Recorded in Hamburg at the legendary Rüssl Studio and Esquire Studio, the album delivers a straight-up dose of 1980s heavy metal and hard rock. The tracklist is packed with anthem-ready titles like “White Boys On Rock,” “Shoot To Kill,” and “Good Booze, Bad Woman,” showcasing a sound built on driving riffs and the powerful vocals of Paul Anthony.

Audiophile Production

A key feature of this release is the production quality. Produced and mixed by Ulli Feldhahn, the album benefits from the Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) process. This technology, often associated with Teldec pressings of the era, ensures a cleaner high-end and tighter bass response compared to standard lacquer cuts.

Format and Details

This is the original 1984 German pressing. The runout grooves bear the “DMM” stamp, confirming the superior mastering technique. It is a fascinating artifact for collectors of Euro-metal who appreciate the intersection of obscure hard rock and high-quality German manufacturing.