NORMALITY OF PERVERSION

I rather liked their two previous albums (of which "Still Searching " was definitely a very good one). So, what has changed in just four years time ? Well, basically the whole creative line-up. While Lavagno (drums) and Opezzo (guitar) are still there; gone is Galetti (vocals and keys). And there you go for a MAJOR disappointment.

I was really charmed with Arcansiel's music but what's to be found here is really weird. Not completely bad because even if "The Girl From" holds some severe poor moments, it also has its good ones. But these vocals and choirs ! Gosh ! A disaster, really. As far as vocals are concerned, I have to say that I pretty much DISlike Paolo Carroni's ones. What's the purpose of having such a guy on board ? It might have been the time for "Arcansiel" to go and look for some vocalist who would sing in Italian rather than this Carroni guy.

Same applies to "Holy wolf Suite". As long as the intrumental moments are concerned, it is a decent song (same great duo sax / guitar that were already available on their previous releases). But boy; these vocals are just awful. And Carroni's performance won't improve during "The End" (if only it was HIS end...). A full jazzy-oriented song but repetitive and boring.

The nightmare goes on with "What Does "The Night Becomes True" Mean?". A horrific rock ballad for most of it. Only the last minute and closing section will save this track from the utmost misery.

This is unfortunately how a good and promising band will end-up (even if a compil effort will be realeased some ... ten years later). Two stars, but this is really the high-end range.