LYCANTHROPE

In 2003 the Mangala Vallis trio had expanded to a solid quintet with the permanent addition of Bernardo Lanzetti on vocals and Riccardo Sgavetti on bass.Lanzetti became also the lyricist of the band and Mangala Vallis begun writing material for a second album.''Lycanthrope'' saw the light in 2005, originally a product of Tamburo A Vapore, with a few guest musicians on guitars and choirs, among them Mr. David Jackson from Van Der Graaf Generator, who adds saxes in a pair of tracks.

The sound of the band has not changed a bit compared to the very good ''The Book of Dreams'', the only difference is Lanzetti's vocals, which are all over the place this time.Mangala Vallis insist on playing nostalgic Symphonic/Progressive Rock with strong GENESIS and PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI influences with endless bits of Mellotron throughout and very solid guitar work.The arrangements are very nice with a great balance between instrumental and vocal parts, mostly with a symphonic approach, where Enzo Cattini shines with his work on organs, Mellotron and pianos, while Consolini delivers a good number of sensitive guitar performances.There is also some nice switches between rhythmic keyboard-driven themes and more atmospheric soundscapes, while Lanzetti's presence adds the GABRIEL-esque voice of a veteran, who knows how to sing.The smoother moments remind a lot of his days with PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI (''Chocolate kings''-period) with nice acoustic textures to surround him.The overall performance of the band is professional, confident, without any serious flaws, but the album lacks the killer track or the personality to make an instant impact.

Definitely an album, which will end up among the favorite ones of Symphonic Rock, Italian Prog, Retro Prog or Classic Progressive Rock's fans.But also anyone who has a leaning towards the modern scene should give Mangala Vallis a chance for the good mix of melodic guitars and clear production with analog keyboards.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.