IL MOSTRO DI FIRENZE

I suggested this new band on the trusted Black Widow label into the Archives some months ago, knowing it would only be a matter of time when the RPI team finally rolls on the red carpet. Someone instantly rated this with five stars, and also more positive reviews will follow, I believe. With the very informative first review (by TenYearsAfter) still fresh on the front page, I'll make it shorter this time and concentrate on my reception on the music. I didn't know about the true story of a serial killer behind the album, but the horror-filled conceptual nature is pretty clear during the album. Too much so, really. Many tracks contain some sound effects (angstic human voices from talking to terrified screams, rain, birds, car's motor & door slamming, steps, clanging and hitting sounds, phone ringing, etc), underlining the sinister atmosphere. In fact, each time I listen to this album, I've become quite tired of them before 55 minutes have passed. It all makes me miss the music of GOBLIN, in which the horror concept doesn't steal the main attention from the excellent music itself.

As a kindred spirit to many dark-toned RPI bands from Goblin to L'Albero del Veleno, Una Stagione all'Inferno definitely has lots of musical potential. The music is written by vocalist-guitarist Fabio Nicolazzo and keyboardist Laura Menighetti. Piano, Hammond and keyboards are central in the sound that incorporates also acoustic & electric guitars, soprano sax and a string trio. The vocals are often delivered with layered (if a little flat) harmonies. If all additional effects were erased away, we'd have a fine, eclectic, semi-symphonic RPI album balancing between instrumental approach and more vocal-oriented songwriting. 'Serial Killer Rock' -- sung in Italian except for the repeated title -- is the worst track as a doomy heavy rock song. On the whole there are many fine things in the music. It's such a pity that the sound effects are playing a terribly overblown role, in my opinion. I hope the band's future releases will place the music first, not the concept.