ROCKPOMMEL'S LAND

On "Rockpommel's Land", Grobschnitt produced their most unabashedly symphonic effort, with plenty of sweet sounding guitars and synthesizers, and an overarching concept tying together the songs. But Grobschnitt are not Yes or Genesis, so they still interject some of their characteristic silliness into the proceedings. These forays make one wonder if the album is a mere spoof of the genre or as serious as Grobschnitt can bring themselves to be, and I do find this detracting from the general beauty of the material.

Nonetheless "Ernie's Reise" and "Anywhere" are simply too gorgeous to dismiss, while both "Severity Town" and the side long title cut have many lovely moments, children's choir and goofy vocals notwithstanding. Wildschwein's voice is at its best for the most part and some of the harmonies work especially well. The buildup in the last few minutes is truly majestic.

So, while this album may only match "Jumbo" in quality, it has a more transcendent aspect thanks to the concept such as it is, and just feels more cohesive than anything the group had done up to that point, like a symphonic fairy tale. "Rockpommel's Land" is a good place to meet the sound of Grobschnitt. 3.5 stars, rounded up.