L'ULTIMA ILLUSIONE

Summer 2008, in Torino three young musicians, all born in the eponymous province, set up Euthymia, a project combining elements from Symphonic Rock, Opera and theater.Alan Brunetta is the drummer, Umberto Poli is responisble for the lyrics and texts and Dario Mecca Aleina is the keyboardist.The trio writes a concept entitled ''L'ultima illusione'' and was helped by Beppe Crovella regarding the production values.This work would become complete with the presence of Simone Bellavia on bass, female singer Chiara Raggi and actors Sax Nicosia and Fabio Marchisio.It was released in 2010 on Crovella's Electromantic label.

The concept deals with a young man, who has a romantic approach to life, but soon becomes uncertain about his life's point of view after meeting a stranger, who was determined to change all of his proven-wrong illusions.It is divided in six acts, which function as bridges between storytelling, interludes and instrumental Progressive Rock of the E.L.P./LE ORME/TRIADE keyboard-led tradition.Of course the Italian flavor is more than evident, all lyrics are written and performed in Italian and the melodies are typical of the sensitive side of Italian Prog.The first half is heavily driven by spoken texts, slightly improvised backgrounds on organ and synths with a few bits from tight, keyboard-based Prog, featuring instrumental virtuosity and grandieur.The second part of the third act, the long ''Oblio'' seems to be the turning point of the whole album.This is beautiful, sentimental but also dramatic Symphonic Rock with an excellent performance by Raggi on vocals and various sections, ranging from flashy, DORACOR-like parts to more sinister themes, mostly performed on organ.The structure of the album somewhat changes from this point on.More music and less spoken words with the piano and keyboards in evidence, offering Classical nuances and old-school keyboard pyrotechnics, the combination of organ and synths works very nice.Another highlight is the melancholic closer ''Morte'' with the romantic vocals of Raggi and the intense, farewell keyboard section.

Euthymia's sound should work extremely well on stage, I am more than certain for that.On tape some of the concept's magic is lost, as the listener should have knowledge of the Italian language to fully appreciate the story.Put this aside and you still have a fine, keyboard-led Symphonic Rock album for worldwide distribution.Essential for fans of LE ORME, LATTE E MIELLE and MINSTREL.