CAP. 7 - TRA LE ANTICHE MURA

No less than six would pass before another Il Castello di Atlante studio album becomes available, but the band was always a regular live entry with numerous gigs in their calendar.Then in 2006 comes ''Concerto Acustico'', an attempt by the group to bring up an unplugged version of their songs.This was also the last contribution of Franco Fava with the band, but marked also the return of orginal bassist Dino Fiore in the line-up.Things start to heat up in 2008 with a new song composed for the Musea multi-band compilation ''Dante's inferno: The divine comedy part I'' and the following year the new album ''Capitolo 7-tra le antiche mura'' sees the light.Of course Electromantic was once again the label to publish another album by the Italian veterans.

With four out of the seven tracks exceeding the 10-min. mark, this is another goodie by Il Castello di Atlante, a smooth experience of Italian-flavored Symphonic Rock, filled with refined melodies and deep atmospheres, colored by Mediterrenean brushes and traditional shades, performed by a veteran group, which is not afraid of attempting quirky, demanding moves and very long instrumental ways.The new album contains also one of the longest compositions ever recorded by the band, the 20-min. ''Malebolge'', a shorter version of which appeared in the aforementioned Musea concept compilation.The inspiration of the band seems just endless.The compositions contain excellent poetic singing, dramatic tunes with sharp synths supported by crying guitars, bombastic instrumental themes with symphonic tastes and folkier textures with great violin work.There is still a certain emphasis on modern keyboards by Roberto Giordano, an instrument that dominates the album, with only sporadic organ parts but lots of calm piano lines throughout, there is always a feeling that they could reach a higher level with the use of analog keyboards.Nonetheless, the album is no empty of impressive arrangements and elaborate melodies, not to mention the comfort on switching moods.Classy Prog Rock with an intense, symphonic sound in the best Italian Prog tradition.

You simply can't go wrong with an Il Castello di Atlante album.All of their works range from good to great and this one lies somewhere inbetween.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.