NOTABENE

The album opens on one of the highlights: "Terra Madre" is a jewel which could only be produced by an Italian band. Melodic, peaceful, harmonious and emotional. The violin play is really beautiful and the vocals are on par. But the genre has already provided lots of great vocalists. Andrea Alberici is one of them.

The style is drastically different on the following track : "Danza Nel Fuoco" sounds almost metal. Upbeat, it features a guitar riff à la "Iron Maiden". The trumpet intervention is not always welcome and even if some Oriental mood enriches this track during the second half, it is my least favorite from this album.

The atmosphere remains solid during "Effimero Regno Di Plastica" which is a complex track, mostly instrumental. It features wild key passages and great drumming. As this is Italian music, it is also combined with a wonderful and truly symphonic part (the whole second half). Magnifique! Another highlight.

But this album is very pleasant almost all the way through. The introduction of "Maestrale" is another jewel of this great genre. The melody is exceptional during these two minutes and opens the way to an excellent track. Sweet violin play and almost church organ are a great combination. Not to forget the vocal performance either of course. Should I say highlight? The third one already!

The last song of this album is a long three pieces suite which is fully in-line with the other parts of this very good album. Complex musical interplay dominated by keyboards. Again, the passion heavily sweats. Maybe that the trumpet might not be really necessary (Rocco Vitiello could have concentrate more on the violin).

Some jazzy parts during the second half contrast with the symphonic sounds available on all the other numbers. "Rosabianca" is probably a bit too long, although the harmonium sounds is quite pleasant towards the end.

And for once there is a good hidden track. It changes from some poor ones which is usually the case. It is more straight forward and I prefer it to "Rosabianca". More guitar available, which is fine since not too much was featured so far. A very good way to close this work.

Seven out of ten, but I'll upgrade it to four stars.

I really hope to be able to go and see them live but when I look at their web-site, the last concert featured took place in February 2007 and almost all their concerts are played in the Brescia area (close to the Northern lakes); so I'm afraid that I won't be able to see them any time soon. A pity.

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