Fan Wall

• 
  Feb 07 2008, 04:15 PM

  Glad to see someone listened to me and put up some better songs than what was on here before!
• 
  Jul 25 2007, 05:40 PM

  This eclectic bunch from Germany had something really special going on back in the 70s. Lengthy layered songs showcasing their instrumental genius backed by some eccentric vocals set them apart from the conventional prog rock bands of that era. It's a shame they did not get the same exposure in North America as the likes of Yes, Gabriel-era Genesis and Jethro Tull did because they were well on par or even surpassed their peers in many ways (it's simply because they weren't British is what it ... More... This eclectic bunch from Germany had something really special going on back in the 70s. Lengthy layered songs showcasing their instrumental genius backed by some eccentric vocals set them apart from the conventional prog rock bands of that era. It's a shame they did not get the same exposure in North America as the likes of Yes, Gabriel-era Genesis and Jethro Tull did because they were well on par or even surpassed their peers in many ways (it's simply because they weren't British is what it comes down to). Too bad they fell victim to the poppy new wave of the 80s (like Yes, although they seemed to recover once Rabin left) shortening and simplifying their song structure to try to satisfy the masses at the time (Rush also fell victim to this to a lesser extent but still managed to maintain their musical intensity with unswerving strong instrumentation). It didn't work for Grobschnitt and they soon met their demise. Not that I didn't like the New Wave movement (I actually thrived on it!), but that should have been left to the new bands on the scene, and the proggers should have kept on doing what they most certainly did best. Anyway, back to Grobschnitt, the songs listed here do not do these guys justice, but do give a little taste of what their solid instrumentals might have sounded like. An album that I feel to be their pinnacle work would be Rockpommel's Land, a magical album with beautiful sweeping harmonies, orchestration, climactic intensity, and even the occasional humourous moment. A storytelling concept album from beginning to finish.. simply a MASTERPIECE. Their early material seriously deserves a listen.