Customer Reviews

Rockpommel's Land

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent bit of German symphonic progressive rock released in 1977 that exhibits intricate ensemble work, great synthesizer sounds, haunting melodies, and sophisticated arrangements that are on a par with their English counterparts (especially "Foxtrot" and "Wind and Wuthering" period Genesis). What sets "Rockpommels Land" apart however is the generally sunny and friendly feeling that the music evokes. Combined with Grobschnitt's great sense of humor (I actually laughed aloud at the end of "Severity Town") and their superb musicianship, this constitutes a welcome addition to a body of music that is essentially "dark" and "serious". The vocals (in English) are generally good but are a bit on the "croony" side for my taste, that is, there is a lot of tremolo in the vocalist's voice. The highlight of the CD of course is the 20-minute multi-movement suite "Rockpommels Land" which encapsulates the attributes that fans of progressive rock look for; namely epic-length and instrumental virtuosity. Highly recommended.

THE MORE I LISTEN TO IT THE MORE I LIKE IT . THE MUSIC IS HYPNOTIC . YA WANT MORE AND WISH THE END WOULD NEVER COME . THIS IS ONE CD YA CANT JUDGE BY LISTENING TO IT JUST ONCE .

Originally released in 1977. I'm giving this CD a five-star rating for effort,alone. Until here recently, I never even knew about this title. It's much different than the other Grobschnitt discs I have in my collection which are their self-titled album, 'Volle Molle' and 'Solar Music Live' (see my reviews of all three). Couldn't help but to notice a strong Yes-like influence, specially with Stefan Danielak's superbly done vocals. Best cuts here are the awesome "Ernie's Reise", the twenty-minute title track "Rockpommel's Land" and the reissue's bonus tune "Tontillon". Truly brilliant German progressive here for the taking. If you're able,try to follow this lp's story line. Recommended.

A great symphonic prog rock album over 4 tracks between 4 and 20 minutes. It tells the story of a little boy - not a hero at all - just the kind everybody may identificate with him enters by the way of his draems a strange fantasy land. Dark mights have this world under rule. Now little Ernie and his new found friend, a giantic bird named Maraboo stand against them and there dark servants - the "Blackshirts" . In common they travel through "Rockpommel's Land" to Mr. Glee's exile to save this world and bring the forbidden laugh of children back.
You can't get enough!

This is Grobschnitt's concept album from 1977. Rated by many as their finest album, and at their most progressive. The fifth track is actually an instrumental bonus track that wasn't on the original album, and as such does not form part of the album's storyline - however the track is excellent and its inclusion is most welcome. The story is reminiscent of Jacob Two-Two and the Hooded Fang (for those fellow Canucks familiar with the famous Canadian tale), and concerns a young boy named Ernie who journeys to an imaginary land via a magical bird and frees all of the imprisoned children. This may sound silly, but like most prog albums the storyline is simply a metaphor for a more serious, philosophical message which I'll let the listener discover for themselves. The music is excellent,containing many traditional progressive elements used to their most pleasing possibilities. In particular their is some awe-inspiring guitar work from Lupo (the band's guitarist) - his solo towards the end of Rockpommel's Land (the 20 minute track which ends the album's story) is incredibly beautiful and uplifting, and must rank amongst the finest closing guitar solo in rock history. And the rest of the band can play as well, thank you very much! Buy this Cd. It is perhaps Grobschnitt's finest hour.

In my humble opinion, this should be the best prog record ever made. I sincerely recommend it to anyone new to this type of music. It is mellow, simple, yet extremely complete, and easy to enjoy.

Eroc,thanks so much for the mail.I collected 5 of the bands records over the years,all were wonderful.I wish I could have seen you guys LIVE..Thanks for the memories and God bless...

1 of the true great progressive albums of all time....in an era where progressive,art rock has began anew.....u must listen to this to learn the beginnings and to share in the beauty that it still provokes...the only tell tale sign of an albums greatness..is,how much do u play it,think of it..what images are evoked..this has it all..culminating in 1 of the great climaxes in music of all time(right up there with awaken by yes)..track this cd down,enjoy for life awaken,andy

Rockpommel's Land really is a fantastic album. It's definitely progressive rock with a strong emphasis on storytelling. What's most surprising to me is that, despite the child-like musical storybook approach Grobschnitt is going for here (and my GOD what does a word like "Grobschnitt" even mean?) the arrangements are actually pretty cleverly constructed.

So what might *sound* like cheesy Uriah Heep-style prog/rock elements initially is actually more sophisticated than that. There's layers of arrangements that don't leave much of an impression the first time around, but gradually improve and create a feeling later on. I realized this stuff was cleverly written when even after 3 listens it *still* wasn't enough for me to absorb the vocal melodies.

Despite requiring a little more effort than other progressive rock bands, Rockpommel's Land is actually pretty good. The music wouldn't be out of place on the soundtrack to the early 80's film the Neverending Story, that's for sure. Sure, the vocal melodies are so cute-sounding that you might believe it's rock music intended for children, but the complexity in the arrangements and vocal melodies lead me to conclude otherwise.

Thanks it's been on my wishlist a while. It was previously only available as an expensive vinyl import, which I already have. I still think Walt Disney's "Resuers Down Under" is based on this album's story.