ALIENATURA

Back in 2010 I was blown away by the debut album of Il Tempio Delle Clessidre. Not only did I consider it the best Italian prog album of the year but also my favourite album of the year overall. Three years later and they're back with Alienatura, another brilliant piece of work. Since their debut vocalist Stefano "Lupo" Galifi has jumped ship and returned to Museo Rosenbach to be replaced by Francesco Ciapica. His register is lower but after some initial reservations I've come round to the conclusion that he's an inspired chice. Thankfully the rest of this highly talented band remains from the debut.

Alienatura doesn't show any great leaps stylistically but if it ain't broke why fix it? It's a natural successor to their eponymous debut containing similarly beautifully crafted symphonic prog. The sound is rich, warm and full with some incredibly powerful moments alongside the more reflective elements. After a few plays the sometimes subtle and complex melodies really grab you. It's not always immediate but persevere and you'll be rewarded with a fantastic body of work. Like their debut it's a very cohesive album with excellent musicianship from all with the keyboard work of the beautiful and incredibly talented Elisa Montaldo particularly shining through. They save the best until last - the powerful and dynamic Il Cacciatore almost reaching fifteen minutes encapsulates everything that's great about this band in one song.

It seems impossible to review an Italian prog band without comparing them to the golden seventies period. Il Tempio Delle Clessidre proved on their debut that they could match the best of it. With their follow up they prove it was no flash in the pan. Alienatura might not blow me away as much as their debut did but it's not far short. They are easily my favourite of the new wave of RPI bands. 4 ½ stars.