74 GIORNI

After hearing the (excellent) second album by italian prog group Conquerer, Storie Fuori Dal Tempo, I was curious enough to buy their third, 74 Giorni, without knowing what was cominhg. Well, all I can say is that it surpassed my expectations. Beautiful melodies, great musicanship, no fillers nor weak parts anywhere. The song selection is varied and eclectic, but it keeps you listening to it iuntil the very end. This is the kind of CD that gives the impression of being very short: so nice you think the time has passed too fast. So I end up finding myself listening to it over and over.

Although accessible, the music is very progressive with no concessions. As most good italians bands do, their musicanship seems so natural that different tracks and shifting rhythm and moods blend together to make one great tapestry of sounds. With no ego trips and working as a tigh unit, Conqueror shows that prog music can be melodic and easy to listen, yet it is no pop or simplistic. The musicians are skillfull and the arrangements indeed complex sometimes. Yet the resulting music is very captivating and will please anyone with some sensibility. And, to top it all, Simona Rigano´s voice is simply gorgeous!

Rating: 4,5 stars. If you like itailian prog music this is a must have. Highly recommended.