GREEK STARS GALLERY

One of the good bands coming from Italy is Kerygmatic Project and their second release Greek stars gallery from 2012. A well produced symphonic/neo prog with that typical italian feel , with romantic atmosphere both on keyboards and in lyrics department. This second album sounds much more progressive then their first recording, Greek stars gallery delivers some intresting passages, specially from keybordist Marco Capagnolo, who has some top notch passages like on The academy, There's no ground for complain, in fact all pieces are more then ok, even lacks in originality in some parts. The voice of Tadini who is also the bass player fits ok in the musical context and has some nice bass works on couple of pieces. The guitar appear sporadicaly in some tunes, this is the type of prog who reminds me of italian school of course from the glory days and aswell has some Floydian moments here and there. Well, a good towards great album, has plenty of memorable passages, fans of crossover prog with hints of neo here and there might take some spins worth it. 3.5 stars

An Italian trio from Stresa, which was gathered in 1998, the guys were namely Samuele Tadini on bass/vocals, Danilo Nobili on drums and Marco Campagnolo on keyboards/piano.With this instrumental set-up they had been often compared to Emerson, Lake & Palmer as well as Collins-era Genesis.However over a decade would pass before they recorded their first album ''Nothing but truth'', propably a limited CD edition, as there were no physical copies left, before the band came to attention of Prog fans.No dissapointment though, as the Italians were ready for another album in 2012, recorded at Dreamer's Lake Studios in Carciano di Stresa, ''Greek stars gallery'', released in 2012 and taken over by Ma.Ra.Cash Records.

Kerygmatic Project won't ever win a prize for their inventive, complex or original arrangements, their style is definitely rooted in 70's Classic Prog, adding a dash of Pop in the process and coming up with a sound close to Neo Prog and Symphonic Pop.The sound is fairly keyboard-centered and the man behind the equipment, Marco Campagnolo, is armoured with synths, an organ and both an acoustic and electric piano to deliver these dreamy, imaginative and melodious textures, that characterized Kerygmatic Project's music.I'd say that GENESIS just before facing the 80's along with STEVE HACKETT's more poppy leanings from his 70's offerings would be the best descriptions, no actual E.L.P. references in here, apart from the rare cases Campagnolo comes up with more Classical-drenched keyboard themes.All lyrics are written and performed in English, showcasing the band's strong links with British Prog.Most tracks appear to be quite long, but do not get fooled searching from multi-parted arrangements, the music here is ethereal, melodic and relaxed with a good bunch of symphonic tendencies and a positive aura, led by the smooth piano lines, the flashy but balanced keyboards and the discreet organ.They actually even deep into something like a ballad-style of playing, but the dominant symphonic background on keyboards prevent them from becoming too accesible or commercial.

Decent album by these Italians.Far from complex and mostly simulating 77'-80'-period GENESIS.Melodic and interesting stuff with fine arrangements.I hardly see this going on the top of anyone's list of 2012 albums, but I can see many people enjoying this from the first till' the last minute.Recommended.