A.M.I.G.D.A.L.A.

This third effort by Italian outfit Tilion is a mixed affair in oh so many ways; and although not always successful there should be quite a lot of material on this disc that will satisfy those interested in boundary-breaking, innovative and creative music.

The ten compositions are quirky affairs. It's not untypical for a track to venture into several different musical styles; in fact this is the rule rather than an exception on this excursion. Sound collages with watery sounds is a common feature throughout, and the individual compositions touch upon folk, jazz, heavy art rock and progressive metal in terms of style variations. Eerie sounding synths; at times almost sick sounding ones; are utilized throughout to create a distinct; dark atmosphere, strengthened by clever use of acoustic guitar or a grim, distorted electric one; while flute and additional synth layers along with vocals contrast the dark and grim mood with lighter and warmer tinges to the soundscape.

The songs are quirky, often quickly moving from one theme to the next; and in select instances dissonances and disharmonies are used to create an almost scary overall atmosphere.

Not for the feint of heart in other words. Those who are into elaborate, challenging rock of the progressive variety might want to check out this one though, even if some tracks do come across as somewhat aimless and meandering.

3.5 stars. I became aware of this band through "The Spagetti Epic" where they composed an over 20 minute track for that venture. I was so impressed that I wanted to check out one of their albums, so this is the one. Their vocalist has apparently left so they have seven guest singers for this one (both male and female). It's a concept album with plenty of samples and variety. Much of the music here comes off sounding more like a Scandanavian band like ANGLAGARD, ANEKDOTEN or WHITE WILLOW with the dark atmosphere, mellotron,angular guitar and other vintage keyboards. So naturally I am very impressed although the middle section of the album is a let down unfortunately.

"680819DP" sounds like were listening in on a baby's baptism or something. Then female vocal melodies join in before this amazing soundscape comes in that is dark and heavy with mellotron. Angular guitar and bass follow. "Symphony For A Shadow" features more guitar as female vocals join in. It's Sofia (i've seen her name spelled three different ways) from PRESENCE. Keyboards arrive as the heavy sound continues. Vocals are back later. Great tune. "The Mirror Room" opens with children's voices then adult voices as the guitar plays in the background. A calm follows then male vocals (Clive from BLACK WIDOW who also plays flute and sax on this track) with drums and angular guitar before 2 minutes. Mellotron too.Incredible sound ! Flute 4 1/2 minutes in as the guitar grinds it out then sax joins in. "The Echo Of The Dark Side" opens with water sounds and flies buzzing around. The music kicks in with female vocals.This is fairly laid back with a waltz-like melody. Some organ before 4 1/2 minutes. Not a fan of this or the next two songs. "Nocturnal (Pt.I)" opens with piano as male vocals join in followed by guitar and drums.Then a calm before it kicks in again. Contrasts continue.

"Promenade Avec La Nuit" is a short track of female vocal melodies, waves and piano. "Alter Action" continues with the waves until this strange noise takes over then other instruments join in. Nice bass 2 minutes in. It's building. Drums start to dominate. A change 5 minutes in. This is better. Mellotron a minute later. Nice. "Eclipse" opens with a phone ringing and this person walking out of the house not answering it. Nature sounds can be heard as he continues to walk away. Male vocals follow. It's heavy after 3 minutes (it comes and goes). Synths before 5 minutes. "Nocturnal (Pt.II)" is a great tune that opens with water sounds then this heavy soundscpae takes over with male vocals. Check out the organ and mellotron ! "A.M.I.G.D.A.L.A." opens with strange sounds.The music kicks in with angular guitar. Powerful sound 2 minutes in. Check out the guitar that starts before 5 minutes then starts ripping it up before 5 1/2 minutes. It settles after 7 minutes and the waves are back. Female vocal melodies 8 minutes in before it turns heavy a minute later. Fantastic instrumental.

This is certainly different but in a good way. A mixed bag for me but something i'd still recommend.

Tilion spent the next few years participating in compilation and tribute album.On ''The Letters: An Unconventional Italian Guide to King Crimson'' they covered ''One Time'' by King Crimson, followed by two tracks for the ''Spaghetti Epic'' compilations in 2004 and 2007 respectively.What followed was the preparation of their next allbum ''A.M.I.G.D.A.L.A'' with notable guest appearances on vocals by Presence's Sophya Baccini, Lino Vairetti of Osanna fame, Clive Jones and Helena Biagoni, who had collaborated with Malaavia.The album came out in 2008 on Musea Records.

One important difference was now that all vocals were delivered in English, however the unique flavor of Italian Prog never seems to flow away from the type of arrangements the band was keen on creating.Basically ''A.M.I.G.D.A.L.A'' sounds like a more focused album than ''Insolitariamente'', mixing the Classic Italian Prog atmospheres with the strong KING CRIMSON vibes in the more complex parts and this work sustains a very haunting atmosphere throughout.The music is very dense and rich with full-blown keyboard passages, good breaks and complicated instrumental ideas, approaching at moments the demanding style of IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO or ALPHATAURUS.Lots of dark Mellotrons and soaring synthesizers move along the tricky guitar plays, either with heavier or more jazzy leanings, while the album contains also well-crafted, softer moments with a folky or more Classical-oriented taste, led by piano preludes, smooth flutes and discreet synthesizers.In general though Tilion's music remains pretty energetic and powerful with tight variations linked to each other, cleverly based either on atmospheric or more technical performances.The five singers participating in the album all deliver excellent performances, another good reason to enjoy the album.The Avant-Garde touches are pretty much eliminated in sake of a more Prog-inclined sound, still Tilion manage to offer a music of their own, combining complexity with more delicate symphonic moments.

Apparently the band was put on ice after this release, as Alfio Costa became very busy with his new project Daal, while around the time Roberto Aiolfi ressurected Prowlers from nowhere.

''A.M.I.G.D.A.L.A'' is a very good work for anyone searching for dynamic, atmospheric and fairly adventurous Classic-styled Progressive Rock.With both modern and retro influences contained, this one ends up to be a quite cool release.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.