CAP. 7 - TRA LE ANTICHE MURA

Il Castello Di Atlante's most recent release is set out as a literary concept with the five main tracks representing different books or adventures. As is the case with their previous albums, it's firmly rooted in the symphonic traditions of the 1970s so it probably won't hold any real surprises for RPI fans. Actually the only unexpected thing here is the nod to Procol Harum on MALEBOLGE, which pays more than a passing resemblance to ''Pandora's Box''. In Dante's ''Inferno'', MALEBOLGE (Evil Pouches) is the name given to the eighth circle of Hell and this track is a 20-minute multi-part tour de force that lives up to its title, complete with eerie sound effects and chant-like vocals. L'UOMO SOLO (The Lonely Man), inspired by the Italian dramatist Pirandello, deals with the despair of losing your greatest love. It's basically a melodic rocker with a couple of contrasting slow sections and it includes some wonderfully emotive violin and guitar in the style of Andy Latimer.

The remainder of the songs aren't based on actual books but they fit in well with the overall concept of an allegorical journey. Drummer Paulo Ferrarotti has stated that the band is more than a musical project and that ''Il Castello is the place where we can find peace and stillness''. TRA LE ANTICHE MURA (Into The Old Walls) is a tribute to that philosophy and is arguably the most memorable track on the album. It begins with heavenly choral effects set against a backdrop of sustained organ, and is embellished with a to-die-for synthesizer lead. Each time the main theme is repeated the violin doubles the synthesizer line to striking effect. After some vocal sections the synthesizer/violin combination trades phrases with the guitar, which in turn leads to a subdued section where the violin takes the lead with piano accompaniment and more vocals. All in all it's an outstanding track.

ANCORA SUONARE ANCORA INSIEME (Playing Together, Again And Again) celebrates the return of co-founder Dino Fiore to the band after a 10-year absence. It's a fairly straightforward mid-tempo rocker and even includes some bluesy organ swirls. It provides a nice change of mood but still manages to incorporate some tempo changes and nice layering of instruments and vocals. LEGGI E ASCOLTA (Read And Listen) deals with the band's desire to share with the listener the emotions they associate with writing a new song. After a slightly agitated piano and vocal introduction, the song is carried forward mainly by soaring guitar and angst-ridden violin twin leads. The closing section features a plaintive melody that repeats with guitar, violin and synthesizer in unison. You might think this device would have worn thin by this point, but the effect is simply exquisite.

Essential for the RPI guys and recommended to fans of BJH, Genesis and Camel.