LUXADE

2004 was a really busy year for La Maschera di Cera.The band was dedicated to playing in various shows around Europe and was part of the ''Gouveia Artrock 2003'' DVD.In 2005 they enter the studios to record a third album, this time produced by Franz di Cioccio (of Premiata Formeria Marconi) for the Immaginifica label and with Maurizio Di Tollo replacing Marco Cavani behind the drum-kit.The new ''LuxAde'' album saw the light in March 2006.

Like on their previous releases La Maschera di Cera insist on offering some dark-sounding Heavy/Symphonic Rock with strong Folk touches and a very rich sound overall.The raw vocals of Alessandro Corvaglia, the dominant flute drives and the strong rhythm section provide the necessary force for the band's general style.But unlike ''Il grande labirinto'', this album stands compositionally a bit better.The performance seems more tight, the dark themes are softened with dreamy, spacey synth passages and the lovely organ and Mellotron waves appear when needed and not for the sake of music.Additionally the band's musicianship is equally divided between harder vocal moments and symphonic/folky parts reminiscent of HOSTSONATEN.Most of the tracks are quite long with the 24-min. ''Enciclica 1168'' being on top with some great interplays.Still I think this is a bit far from the band's masterful debut.

A great addition for a wide range of Prog fans.''LuxAde'' is here to satisfy most listeners, whether Symphonic, Folk, Modern or Heavy Progressive Rock is your thing.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.