AHAB

As most of the Minstrel members were involved in several other projects, 9 years of silence would pass before the group would return with a second album.For some time keyboardist Arrigo Magli would perform with Minstrel, but he only appears in one track in the new ''Ahab'' album, while bassist Marco Fiorina was replaced by Alberto Bigoni.As expected, the new album was a concept one, based on Herman Melville's ''Moby Dick'' and it was released on BTF/AMS.

A more powerful and still bombastic side of the Italians would be presented here with strong orchestral themes and crystalline, operatic vocals by Mauro Ghilardini, much in a Heavy/Symphonic Rock style with vibes from BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO's early albums and links to the style of compatriots PRESENT.Dynamic, pounding musicianship with complex changes and endless piano interludes/preludes, delivered in a thetrical mood with a Rock Opera aura.Here Mauro Ghilardini performs a long monologue of Captain Ahab, being definitely one of the best operatic singers to be around.Despite the clean metal riffing at some point, the album contains excellent salvation parts with smooth melodies and dreamy piano lines, keeping a lovely balance throughout.The music can be rhythmic, angular or mellow depending on the track.Classical influences are all over the place and ''Ahab'' is also full of some majestic piano/guitar interactions of the highest level.Not that on the last track, the deeply atmospheric 16-min. ''Morte'' there is a guest appearance by Ghilardini's son on vocals.Beautiful, cinematic, orchestral, grandiose Progressive Rock with Classical-influenced variations, bursting the pure energy of electric guitars and offering Soundtrack-like movements with a great atmosphere.

Minstrel' career was put on ice after the release of ''Ahab'', as Ghilardini & co. were absorbed again by other musical activities.This album should easily appeal to all fans of powerful, Classical-based Progressive Rock and it will sound even better if you don't mind a touch of Metal in the menu.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.