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LA TERRA DEI GRANDI OCCHI

Calliope

Rock Progressivo Italiano


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Calliope La Terra dei Grandi Occhi  album cover
3.52 | 34 ratings | 7 reviews | 0% 5 stars

Excellent addition to any
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Studio Album, released in 1992

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. La Terra dei Grandi Occhi (8:35)
2. Non si Credo pił (5:03)
3. Lunario (3:54)
4. Pensieri Affascinanti (8:54)
5. Passi Dentro il Tempo (4:24)
6. Avalon (4:18)
7. L'Anima del Cielo (6:49)
8. Mellotronmania (1:32)

Total Time: 43:29

Line-up / Musicians

- Massimo Berruti / lead vocals
- Gianni Catalano / drums
- Rinaldo Doro / keyboards
- Mario Guadagnin / guitar (acoustic 6 & 12 string, electric, vocals
- Enzo Martin / bass

Releases information

Vinyl Magic records VM NP 01 (1992)

Thanks to ProgLucky for the addition
and to MANDRAKEROOT for the last updates
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CALLIOPE La Terra dei Grandi Occhi ratings distribution


3.52
(34 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(0%)
0%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(56%)
56%
Good, but non-essential (38%)
38%
Collectors/fans only (3%)
3%
Poor. Only for completionists (3%)
3%

CALLIOPE La Terra dei Grandi Occhi reviews


Showing all collaborators reviews and last reviews preview | Show all reviews/ratings

Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by Cesar Inca
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
3 stars From day one - that is, since their debut album's release - Calliope made their statement quite clear: their mission was to revamp the energetic hard prog sound pioneered by Alphataurus, Il Rovescio della Medaglia and Biblietto per l'Inferno, and recycle it with a modern sounding twist. This is what the repertoire of 'La Terra dei Grandi Occhi' is all about. Rinaldo Doro's vintage arsenal (including Hammond, Moog, mellotron and Solina) is used prominently in order to reconstruct the 70s spirit, while the guitar riffs and solid rhythm section remain the purveyors of the modern touch. The overall performances are ballsy, delivering the attractive compositions with both skill and attitude. The opening namesake track is really fiery and magnificent, with the following one 'Non Ci Credo Pił' almost equalling it in terms of energy and catchiness. 'Lunaria' seta a renaissance-like melody line wit hexquisite grandeur. The next two tracks are a bit simpler in comparison to the first two, yet they keep the same intensity. Tracks 6 and 7 are closer to the patterns of the so-called neoprog sound: the melodic aspect is more developed than the expression of rocky strength, creating in this way a more "sentimental" mood and a more accesible sound. Maybe these tracks should have been located somewhere in the middle, since they seem to break down any chance of effective climax that any of the strong tracks would undoubtedly have provided in their place. The 1 1/2 minute closing instrumental 'Mellotronmania' is, as the title suggests, a multilayered sequence of varied mellotron sources (strings, woodwind, choir, brass) - an effective closure for all mellotron fans to enjoy. Generally speaking, 'La Terra dei Grandi Occhi' is a great work, a recommendable asset in any good prog collection.
Review by erik neuteboom
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars The sound from this italian five piece band delights me from the very first moment: dazzling runs on the Minimoog synthesizer, floods of Hammond organ, majestic Mellotron waves and warm vocals. The tracks "Non ci credo piu", "Lunario" and "Passi dentro il tempo" are fluent tracks featuring powerful play on the guitar and keyboards. More mellow are the songs "Avalon" and "L'anima del cielo" delivering dreamy guitar and compelling organ and Mellotron waves, dynamic drums and emotional vocals. My highlight is the long composition "Pensieri affascinatti": Banks-like organ work, a break with fiery electric guitar and a lush grand finale, layered with vintage keyboards. A pleasant final song is "Mellotronmania", the name of the title speaks for itselfs, MELLOTRON SOUNDS!! Another strong effort from an Italian band, FORZA ITALIA!
Review by apps79
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Another significant Italian band,who raised in late-80's among others.They werre found in Turin in 1989 (there are rumours that they were a find of Beppe Crovella,former member of ''Arti e Mestieri'') by keyboardist Rinaldo Doro.The band recorded a 4-track demo,before they were joined by singer Massimo Berutti.In 1992 their debut ''La terra dei grandi occhi'' was pressed by Vinyl Magic.

Two things are easily noteable while listening to the album:Firstly,this work is heavily influenced by the Italian likes of the 70's,while it also slips into the heavy prog category in places,supported by the intense vocals of Berutti.Secondly,the album is dominated by the lush keyboard sounds of Doro.Synths and modern keyboard sounds are actually very limited and the album is based on the strong use of the Hammond organ,the flights of the moog,the good piano doses and the analog nostalgia of the mellotron.On the other side,the album includes also a lot of rhythmic heavy prog parts and nice grooves with strong guitar riffs and tight bass/drums,always surrounded by the presence of the organ and the mellotron.Speaking of mellotron,check out one of the most nostalgic short-instrumentals ever,the last track entitled ''Mellotronmania'',filled with tons of memories for the old prog followers.Influenced by both the symphonic (PFM,LE ORME) and the heavy (BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO,IBIS) prog scene of their country,CALLIOPE offered us a work with cool vintage sounds and tight musicianship.An essential album,especially for lovers of the classic Italian prog movement.

Review by tszirmay
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Hahaha ! Everytime I listen to the opening title track of this debut album, I cannot help giggling to myself uncontrollably! It sort of reminds me the rather puerile debates about who was the "fastest" guitarist, Alvin Lee, Carlos Santana in the 70s and later between Vai and Satriani, pfff! As if speed mattered! Here, Rinaldo Doro does a Mach 5 velocity synth solo that verges on the near ridiculous, making Wakeman, Emerson and Nolan look like lethargic snails. The fact that this epic track also has some slithering bass lines, cascading mellotron washes, furious drumming and some lovely vocals only adds to the thrill. Truth is I am a big bass guitar fetishist (as some may know by now) and I simply find myself enthralled when the propulsive technique punches ferociously as Enzo Martin does on the entire album. "Non Ci Credo Piu" is a typical ISP track with passionate Italian language vocals, great keyboard playing but literally highlighted by those incredible bass runs. The simmering guitar solo is no "shab" job either! "Lunario" offers immediate respite from the instrumental pyrotechnics as it waltzes unashamed, with a more grandiose slant, thick arrangements verging on more conventional folk themes, with a slick variety of ivories in the arsenal , all mastered by the nimble fingers of Rinaldo! A muted axe solo from Mario Guadagnin leaves a pleasant afterglow. "Pensieri Affascinanti" is another lengthy marathon where singer Massimo Berruti gets to expand gently on the flowing theme, liberating the superlative Hammond M3 organ work and the multifarious guitar explorations that rule the show, proving clearly that these lads can play with the best of them. The finale is grand pomposity incarnate, thick slabs of arrogant symphonic pretense, with lightning hyper-soloing. Bless 'em for they have sinned! Oddly, "Passi Dentro il Tempo" is nothing special, aside from a hunting guitar rampage that elevates the passion. We finally get some release from all the haste with "Avalon", a breezy little affair, with twanging 12 string acoustic, rotund bass, torrents of mellotron, all held together by a plaintive vocal. "L'Anima del Cielo" sends a more atmospheric message, a dreamy concoction with luxuriant keyboards, fluid guitar and that confounded up-front bass guitar! As usual with ISP, the drumming is superb, courtesy of Gianni Catalano. The brief "Mellotronmania" speaks for itself, putting an indelible symphonic stamp on the deal. Yeah, this is 70s style prog made in 1992 but there is certainly nothing wrong with that , it was a golden era in Italy and a huge standard for the future of Prog. The famed Beppe Crovella of Arti+ Mestieri fame produces this record, adding some musical audacity to the proceedings.This is not a masterpiece but rather a good enjoyable recording by above par musicians. Love that bass though! 4 Big Eyes
Review by Mellotron Storm
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars CALLIOPE are a five piece band from Italy who really pay their respects to the golden era of RPI with their vintage keyboards (moog, Hammond, mellotron) and strong Italian vocals. This is their debut which was released in 1992. This is the only album I have by this band but i'm so impressed. I'm really surprised this record isn't rated higher than it is.

What caught my attention right away with the title track "La Terra Dei Grandi Occhi" was how fast the keyboardist is ! As tszirmay points out this guy plays at the speed of light. What's more impressive to me though is the mellotron that floods in when it settles down. Vocals join in and they sound really good. Great section ! The synths then guitar really rip it up as the mellotron continues. Amazing ! Bass comes in prominantly. It settles again before 6 1/2 minutes and vocals return. Mellotron follows. "Non Si Credo Piu" is led by organ and drums as bass and guitar help out. Vocals a minute in.The organ and bass really standout. Synths come in then it settles but not for long. Great tune. "Lunario" offers a variety of keyboard sounds and check out the tasteful guitar 3 minutes in. Nice instrumental.

"Pensieri Affascinanti" is a feel good song to me. The vocals and organ sound great while the guitar and relentless bass all add to this beautiful sound. Nice guitar work after 3 minutes. Mellotron follows. It calms right down 4 1/2 minutes in with organ, mellotron, bass and drums. Vocals join in. Kicks in before 7 minutes. Vocal melodies end it. "Passi Dentro Il Tempo" opens with 1 1/2 minutes of fantasic instrumental sounds before the vocals come in. Another feel good song. The guitar lights it up 3 minutes in. "Avalon" sounds so good when the strong vocals arrive followed by a river of mellotron. The bass and organ shine as well on this powerful track. "L'anima Del Cielo" opens with guitar, bass and drums. Cool sound.Organ joins in with vocals. It turns powerful then settles back as the contrasts continue. What a great sound 6 minutes in, especially the vocals and organ. "Mellotronmania" is simply that, lots of mellotron and other vintage keyboard sounds.

The mellotron, Hammond and vocals alone cry out for 4 stars.

Review by ZowieZiggy
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars This is obviously a very good album which truly belongs to the beautiful Italian Symphonic Prog (or ISP).

Each aspect is featured here: superb and bombastic keys, but not only during the great "La Terra Dei Grandi Occhi". It also offers wonderful aspects of the genre that most of us love.

The complexity of the track, the mellotron combination, the wild rhythm and the fantastic vocal part throughout the song is rather encouraging. One of the highlight with no doubt. A great piece of music: eclectic, symphonic. Splendid after all.

"Genesis" is of course present during each corner of this mighty track, but I have to reckon that a great Italian feel can be felt as soon as the vocals enter the scene.

Wonderful. Splendid. Fantastic. Brilliant. This song is just MAGICAL. Do listen to it to figure out. The highlight of course.

The influence of the band we all love (and which I have already mentioned the name before) is present within each second of "Non Ci Credo Piu". Wonderful keyboards, huge rhythm, fine vocals. Is there anything more you need ? Maybe some Banks oriented keys? You also get them, don't be afraid. Even during the catchy and short instrumental "Lunario".

As I have said, this album is an excellent piece of music. The band is skilled, their song writing is great, and when you listen to "Pensieri Affascinanti" it is pure delight. A Crimson frenzy combined with some more accessible parts. Another great song and a definite highlight as well.

Needless to say that if you ever had your thoughts into the wonderful ISP, this album should please your heart and bottom. At least, I feel so. During the melodic (but still upbeat) "Passi Dentro Il Tempo" some excellent keyboard layer is added to this catchy song. Another fine moment of this offering. But there are plenty .

This album is real good.

When "Avalon" is being played, one can only be submerged by the music: huge bass, splendid keyboards again and quite well achieved vocals. Hey man! This must be heaven, or almost?

A brief "au revoir" with the mellotronesque and well titled "Mellotronmania" closes this very good work. For stars with ease. An delightful debut.

Latest members reviews

4 stars The debut album from Calliope is a revelation. I was not too fond of their fourth album which I thought was lacking teeth. But there is plenty of teeth on La Terra dei Grandi Occhi. Not to mention, great songs and identity. Who would I compare Calliope at La Terra dei Grandi Occhi with ? Ca ... (read more)

Report this review (#268080) | Posted by toroddfuglesteg | Thursday, February 25, 2010 | Review Permanlink

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