SOMBRAS DE INVIERNO

Another inclusion in the growing Neo/Symphonic Prog scene from South America, Subterra from Santiago, Chile, were formed in 1996, influenced by the music of MARILLION and FISH.After two years and many line-up changes a solid core was established around singer Maximiliano Sanchez, guitarists Leonardo Basso and Gonzalo Sanchez, keyboardist Claudio Momberg, bassist Andres Saavedra and drummer Paul Perich.Starting from gigs in local pubs and clubs, Subterra soon played live next to acts such as Pendragon, Arena, IQ and Jadis, followed by another memorable gig at the Baja Prog festival in 2001.It was the year the band officially made their debut with the album ''Sombras de Invierno''.

Subterra belong to the heavier side of Neo Prog with a sound close to ARENA or later PENDRAGON, colored by a huge symphonic sound coming out of Claudio Momberg's keyboards.The compositions are based on impressive and angular guitar riffs, very sharp synthesizers and well-performed vocal lines (lyrics come in Spanish), with all these elements producing an excellent dramatic atmosphere.But, as with any good Neo Prog act, Leonardo Basso and Gonzalo Sanchez offer also plenty of melodic guitar solos, while there is enough space for virtuosic individual performances and instrumental textures.The longer pieces seem to be the more interesting ones with great changes between downtempo themes with hypnotic guitars and soft piano lines and bombastic symphonic movements with grandiose keyboards and heavy sounding guitars.There is even some discreet organ parts to be found in a couple of tracks, nicely adapted to the general style.Very good balance between melodic moments and groovy passages maintain the superb atmosphere captured by the band throughout the whole release.

An excellent suprise indeed.Bombastic, melodic, demanding and atmospheric Neo/Symphonic Prog all the way by a young band ready to give some lessons how this style should be played.Highly recommended.