LA MASCHERA DI CERA

This band is really extraordinary. Most of their compositions are long and complex numbers with passionate vocals (that I do not, unfortunately, understand) and superb keys and flute moments.

The intro of "La Maschera di Cera" is truely Crimsonesque. One is transported back to 1969, and the wonderful ITCOTCK for about a minute. This number is simply FABULOUS. It is by far the most inventive, intricate, subtle, melodic of the band on this album. It is a beautiful indicator that the band is able to deliver the most brilliant epic with all the Italian extravaganza and skills. It is not melodious during those 19'21" but almost.

The addition of the flute only brings me with such joy ! This instrument adds a marvelous flavour to their entire work. Of course, at times, it will remind of the Tull but mostly because of the flute not because of the structure of the songs (although the complexity of the title track could be compared with "TIAB".

This number is a pure symphony. A delight for your ears. If ever, you are a bit depressed, get a listen to this one and it will fill your heart again with enthusiasm, positive feeling and optimism. Really. It is an absolute masterpiece. A true jewel. The lead vocal is so nice and vibrant.

One can only applaude when confronted to such a maestria. I just hope that these few words will convert you into a fan. This masterpiece is on par with all the greatest epics you can think of. AND I MEAN ALL OF THEM.

You can imagine that after such a number, it is impossible to equal, by close or by far to its bombastic feeling. The long and weird intro of the first "movement" of "Del Mio" makes place of a riff pretty much similar to "Watcher" (but how many times was this incredible Genesis number a source of inspiration, even fragmentary). This number is more incoherent, less catchy : it is sometimes very close again to KC.

The second movement of "Del Mio" is more classical. We are brought back in the same extraordinary sound of "La Maschera". The music delivered here is again, sublime. The lead vocalist brings so much emotion in his play, than even if you do not understand him (and that's really something I am missing here : to be able to understand their lyrics, although I have no clue how profund they are). I should maybe start learning Italian ...

This song sounds weird at times, even scary. But that's Maschera's universe. Full of poetry but at the same time full of evil. This wonderful song ends up in a chaotic maelstroem. Unique.

I think that "Del Mio volo" is even more grandiose. This is probably one of the musical moments I would praise the most. I have already written that to my burial party I would like to "hear" some songs of which "Stairway To Heaven" (obviously), "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", "Firth Of Fith" etc. This one will definitely be on my list as well. Just beautiful.

I have started to love Italian prog in 1974 : at this time, it was just referred as "Eurock" in my country (Belgium); PFM being almost the only band to be known. Very few times in my life, I have felt such feeling and passion (I am a passionate man) sweating from the music. I am really thankful to La Machera to have brought this to me.

If you like ELP, Tull and the passion of the Italian symphonic genre, this band will lead you almost to heaven (it sounds lyrical, but this is how I feel). This first album is extremely good and they will produce another one of the same caliber, believe me. You should give La Maschera a try. Once you'll have done so, you won't be able to escape. At least, it is my case.

I am not a specialist of Italian prog. I just love it through about thirty bands I appreciate (at different levels). La Maschera is IMO far much superior to many historical bands from this genre.

This first album is so brilliant and I feel so terribly in love with it that I can only think of one rating : five stars.

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