I am quite charmed when I listen to the opening number "Al Buio". It is a strong song that features some delicacy; but it is combined with very powerful passages as well. Dramatic vocals, theme changes, heavy guitar and wild parts are the mix. Add some heavy organ and you'll get the whole picture. Amazing! The heavy feel is consolidated during "Rapporto Occasionale" which offers a complex rhythm and a solid beat. Musicianship is excellent and vocals pretty decent, even if nothing from the other world. It is true to say that the band is leaning on the heavy angle; not as much as "Wicked Minds" but not too far either. The next song is also in line: some sort of similarities with "Black Widow" are noticeable (mostly in the mood of the song): dark, heavy and at times scary. Another very good song from this very good work so far. Even if the global sound is quite similar, this work is quite varied: some great guitar solo while "Fiato Sul Collo" is being played adds another great layer to their debut album. It is also true to say that I quite like this style of music (heavy prog, I mean). Wildness is going on here with another fine rocking moment: "Dirti Di No" is such a piece featuring a symphonic opening (for a short while), off-beat rhythm, moving guitar and pumping organ to conclude. As you can read, this is quite a solid mix! Most of the songs are on the long side (which makes this album pretty long, but with no consequences about the quality). One of the longest is "Questo Inferno": it embraces again the "Black Widow" mood which I like so much. Dark, heavy, skilled. In one word:great. To be honest, these seventy-three minutes of music are quite enjoyable, and I didn't see the time passing by while listening to this album for the first time (which is a good sign). Of course, not all songs are great ("La Mappa Del Tempo") but as a whole, this debut is quite encouraging. After this, the band will enter in some sort of hiatus (eight years) before releasing their follow-up. Four stars for this one, that closes on the bombastic "Epoca Lontana" which leans towards the jazzy atmosphere and provides some break of style. It starts with an oppressive instrumental opening, some frenetic beats and juicy maestria (drumming, piano). This Italian band deserves your attention. Be aware though that the music that you will discover is more heavy oriented than ISP. Review by "ZowieZiggy" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8 / 10
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