THE SLEEPER AWAKES

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With a couple of line-up changes after ''Makumba'',the PRESENCE trio now with a new drummer moves on to the recordings of a sophomore release.The band from Napoli collaborated this time with the San Carlo Theatre strings orchestra to add some more depth to the sound.The brand new release from 1994 carried the title ''The Sleeper Awakes''.

This one finds the band stepping on a similar style like their debut,impressive Prog Rock/Metal with grandiose keyboards and bombastic riffing.But this time ''The Sleeper Awakes'' sounds rather darker than ''Makumba''.More complex interplays,more grandiose sound and plenty of haunting vocal deliveries.The orchestra remains on the background,adding an even more symphonic feeling at the mellow breaks.Present are always the virtuosic solos both on keyboards and guitars.What I am missing are the splendid melodies of the previous work,which are now very limited for the sake of darkness.However the band still competes at a decent level with professional musicianship...and it is always a nice experience to listen to Sophya' Baccini's well-worked operatic vocals.

The production is again a plus with excellent mix,so if you like metallic Symphonic Prog with plenty elements from Opera,''The sleeper awakes'' is a good purchase.Slightly worse than ''Makumba'',but still recommended.