DEDICATO A FRAZZ

I did not know much about this album until recently. It was one of those records you hear a lot about it but don´t actually have the opportunity to listen to. A friend borrowed it to me a few days ago and I was very impressed. Even more so when I heard they were not successful with this album and that it was the only one Semiramis ever released. A real shame, for this is not only a great album but a promise of even better things to come. But, looking back, maybe it was too different from the average Italian music of the time. Surely, it was melodic and progressive, but it was also heavier and darker than most, with some fiery guitar parts (for the time, of course), lots of driving keys and a few strong jazzier parts.

All the musicians are brilliant and I loved the vibraphone parts drummer Paolo Faenza adds on several cuts. The compositions are very strong and although a bit daring for the period, very melodic and although sometimes sounding a bit incoherent, very well built. Like all prog masterpieces, it takes a little time to sink in, but once you get it, you´re hooked. Vocalist/guitarist Michele Zarrillo has a fine voice for the style. Thanks god everything here is sung in italian. The themes here seems to deal with the concept of madness, which may explain the wild mood swings of some tunes. I was also taken by the high quality production of the CD, very well balanced, with a crystal clear sound. All wrapped up with a dazzling cover art by Gordon Faggeter.

I really loved this album: it sounds like a good mix of Genesis, early King Crimson and Van Der Graff Generator put together, and still they had already built am identity of their own. It really makes me wish they had recorded a follow up.

A real lost prog jewel. Highly recommended for any italian prog rock aficionado.