IL CHIARORE SORGE DUE VOLTE

Named after a Medieval coastal English village that was submerged in a series of violent thunderstorms in the 13th century, DUNWICH interprets the anguished unheard cries of those who perished along with their homes. With a crystalline production, orchestral styled arrangements, folkish melodies, and tortured yet harmonious vocals, "Il Chiarore Sorge Due Volte" conjures the Gothic atmospheres of DEAD CAN DANCE meet RENAISSANCE. If you have ever heard the minor track "Like the Wind" from "The Eye of Wendor" by MANDALABAND, much of this album embodies the mood of that unique off kilter arrangement. The ethereal nature does not recall many classic RPI bands, and I think the well incorporated inspiration hails mostly from the British Isles, with perhaps a nod to the operatic tradition.

Intriguing to be sure, "Il Chiarore Sorge Due Volte" doesn't offer captivating enough compositions to match its maturity in other areas. Distinguished moments are scattered about, but they generally fail to anchor the 3 minute pieces in which they reside, let alone build a unified framework for 44 minutes. Still, this is worth investigating for fans of the archaic, and has piqued enough of my own curiosity to consider their other offerings.