ZARATHUSTRA

The only Museo Rosenbach album released in 1973 is one of the greatest RPI album (besides of Area's early albums) is my very personal opinion. In other words - this album is a bit different from huge amount of RPI albums coming from early 70-s.

First of all, this album is real heavy symphonic progressive rock, melting UK heavy prog traditions with Italian melodies and vocals. Keyboards based (Hammond and mellotron), this album influenced by early Lord and Uriah Heep passages, as well as Jethro Tull folksy moments and King Crimson heavy tension. But at the same time , there are enough Italian musical tradition elements to make this album Italian Progressive Rock. Aggressive (Italian) vocals, heavy guitars, fast and complex drumming, keyboard passages - possibly you don't believe, but I am speaking about Italian progressive album!

As often with specific genres, some will love this album and some will hate it. I can hardly accept many so-popular classic RPI albums because of their polished neo-classic sound, sugar overdose, just symbolic rock arrangements, etc. Then - besides of Area (another really great and untypical RPI band) Museo Rosenbach is on the top of my RPI list. For those searching their usual RPI sweetly-romantic sound, this album possibly will be too heavy, too raw and ... too British. OK, it's just question of taste.

But I really can recommend this excellent work for everyone disappointed by "regular" RPI sound - Museo Rosenbah is rare Italian progressive ROCK band.

My rating is 4,5 rounded to 5!