MAGNA FABULIS

Getting back to an album released more than ten years ago only makes sense if one seeks to dispel some misconception about it, and also gain new appreciation of the music from a different point of view. That is the case with this review, because I think Magna Fabulis is much more than a simple compilation. It rather deserves the same status as a full blown studio album, since it features music not included in other studio albums by the band (but just in label compilations), and the resultant track sequence is definitely endowed with a strong sense of flow and conceptual purpose. Even coming from several different sources, the tracks maintain the narrative tone all the way through, and they do it so while keeping the listener fully engaged in the adventure.

The two lengthy epics are, of course, the main dishes in the menu, and the other two tracks complement the listen well. I like the whole affair, but I'm going to stay, for patience's sake, just with the second epic, La Aventura en el Mar (Adventure In The Sea). The thing commences with a steady drums riff, which can make you think that it's going to be a rather simple tune, a perception emphasised by the nice maritime synth motif. But the same drums turn to a more propulsive pace and promote the increasing instrumental intricacy of the whole band. And the result is a truly rich composition made of contrasting but perfectly assembled sections, in which shine the vintage synthesizers array and the electric guitars, with a different tone and energy in each brilliant solo. A no lesser detail adding variation and textural richness to the instrumental sound, is that there are plenty of acoustic piano and guitar passages, making also for a wide dynamic range, leading the listener's attention from dense to sparse textures, and from tense to relaxed moods. The vocals have a some more restricted presence in the general build-up of this towering suite, but lending anyway the unique tone that only human voice are capable of, and that is absolutely essential to set the particular emotional vibe required by characters lost in a limitless seascape.

As I already said, this sounds like a proper studio album to me, and having no noticeable flaws, I have to go for a major rating, which, given creativity transcending influences into consistently amazing ideas, has to be five stars.