ALIENATURA

Il Tempio Delle Clessidre is an Italian band formed in 2006 in the Genoa city. The band initially had Stefano 'Lupo' Galifi (original vocalist from Museo Rosenbach), but after the departure of Stefano that went band to reunite with his former band they convened Francesco Ciapica for his place. The rest of the band is still the same, Elisa Montaldo (keyboards and vocals), Fabio Gremo (bass), Giulio Canepa (guitars) and Paolo Tixi (drums). The band have released their second album AlieNatura (2013) by Black Widow Records earlier this year.

Black Widow is a specialized label which pretty much focuses on what I like to call 'dark Prog'. If you have no idea what I'm talking about I'll make it easier for you: Gothic influenced Prog. This is their specialty.

I started my listening with the nice booklet in hands and when the opening track 'Kaze' begins one can hear strong and well recorded music out of the speakers. This makes you sit down and pay attention immediately. The Japanese sounds that come out of the track are quite hypnotic. The moment of truth comes with the following song 'Senza Colori', the first track of AlieNatura (2013) with vocals. As I mentioned, the Gothic and somber moments are all around here, but at the same time the band has a strong root on the Symphonic Italian style too.

The continuation, 'Il Passo', is even more atmospheric and full of little details. Its Symphonic apex lies on the double guitars and a number of great keyboards. Amazing track! The acoustic 'Fino Alla Vetta' is the next piece of music. It's basically a ballad with acoustic guitars till around the 3rd minute of the song. After that it gets a bit heavier, especially because of the organs of Elisa Montaldo. That's when it gets really interesting.

'Onirica Possessione' is a damn strong track! Classic Genesis meets Italian 70's Prog at its best moments. Powerful vocals melodies by Francesco Ciapica and the Symphonic side of Prog Rock speaking really loud. One of the best tracks of the AlieNatura (2013). Weird last part though! 'Notturna' is a smaller interlude with a nature kind of feeling to it, basically commanded by keyboards and Elisa vocals. Beautiful piece of music!

The last track on the album is an almost 15 minutes suite with 5 parts called 'Il Cacciatore'. This last song is full of heavy guitars riffs and grim keyboards, that's how it starts really. It's great how they used the vocals between the verses. It helps create a really powerful mood in their music. 'Il Cacciatore' is all about changes and beautiful yet melancholic music. You have to listen with attention but still, you will bang your head with the riffs!

Il Tempio Delle Clessidre came as a big surprise to me as I didn't listen their debut album and knew nothing about them. Now I can honestly say that AlieNatura (2013) is one of the most powerful releases of the year! Perfect musicianship, great production and songwriting with a fresh sound. The album is powerful and melodic at the same time as the great Prog albums should be!

Progshine recommends it!

(Originally posted on progshine.net)