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Semiramis - Dedicato A Frazz CD (album) cover

DEDICATO A FRAZZ

Semiramis

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

4.07 | 347 ratings

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Nightfly
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
5 stars Perhaps my interest in the RPI genre distorts the facts, but to me Italy seems to have produced more excellent one album progressive rock bands than any other country I can think of. Add Semiramis to that list, their album Dedicato A Frazz, released in 1973 was an album I only came across last year, but I'm certainly glad I did as it's one my favourite purchases of recent times.

The compositions are very mature for a band so young as is the musicianship. Dedicato a Frazz sits at the heavier end of the Italian prog spectrum, reminding me at times of Biglietto Per L'inferno, though overall creating a musical onslaught more intense and unrelenting, played with the fire of Il Balletto Di Bronzo. Yes, despite moments of mellow restraint this is a very busy album with fast and furious lead guitar runs and riffs against powerful synths, which while not necessarily a thing of beauty much of the time, create an exciting sound. A dexterous rhythm section follows the many twists and turns of the compositions and the vocals of Michele Zarillo (also providing the guitar) also bring to mind Biglietto Per L'inferno. What's remarkable is the way the band manage to fit so much in to each song without it turning into a disjointed mess, particularly considering that all the songs are so short, the longest being 6 minutes. Add to all this the customary amount of passion that Italian bands seem to play with and you have on your hands one hell of a good album.

It's a real shame that we only have one album from Semiramis; I believe Zarillo went onto mainstream success in Italy in a more pop orientated direction, but Dedicato A Frazz remains an album I can't fault and essential listening to those who enjoy the wilder side of Italian Prog.

Nightfly | 5/5 |

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