DE REPUBLICA

Having not heard Area before this band, this album seemed like nothing I'd ever heard before. And in many ways it is quite unique. But I should point out that if you don't like Area, you won't like this band for sure. Not that these guys are some sort of copy or tribute, only that the influence is very apparent and sometimes quite strong, especially in the vocal department.

Having said that, this is quite an achievement and must have taken some serious work to create. The compositions are quite complex, varied, and intense for the most part.

The first track is strong statement of intent, starting fairly mellow with laid back vocals (for Piras anyway) and acoustic guitar. When the band finally bursts in, it is with odd time signatures, funky guitar and bass lines, and intense technical drumming. But this band has a soul, make no mistake about that. The vocals are some of the best I've ever heard. Piras is, without doubt, an acquired taste. My guess is that you love his vocals or hate, there is probably no middle ground. He uses his voice as another instrument (again, very much like Stratos did in Area) and boy does he have range. On top of that, all the lyrics are in Latin, which turns out to be quite beautiful to the ear (assuming you can enjoy his voice).

It would be almost pointless to describe each song in detail, as they all more or less fit the description of the first song I already wrote above. However, I will touch on a couple of the more interesting ones. Res Publica II features some very Gentle Giant like rhythm patterns with violin, while Res Publica III has some fantastic vocals and an interesting, almost jam like middle section. Foederis Aequas Dicamus Leges is the most fusion like song, with some blistering unison runs and more intense vocalizing. Aeterna Lex is a vocal experiment that can be a bit grating, but it quite short. Perpetua Lux I is a nice acoustic and violin piece, while Perpetua Lux II could almost be an 80's rock anthem (aside from the Latin lyrics) for it's first half, before it goes into a crazy fusion type lead guitar section before returning to the more straightforward beginning part to end the song. Speaking of the guitar, the guitarist has a unique and interesting style and seems to be one of the driving forces for this band, along with singer Piras. The rhythm section is outstanding, particularly the drummer who is one of the best drummers I've ever heard. The keyboardist does a fine job, with some great solos and very well done accompaniments

The only songs that don't quite do it for me are Aeterna Lex and the final song, but these are not bad by any means. Maybe just a bit too much even from this band. I hesitated with the rating, because with two songs that I find less than perfect, perhaps 5 stars is pushing it? But I can't help but feel that this is this bands masterpiece and that this is unique album in the prog world (despite the obvious Area influence, Area never did anything like this). So I'm going to go ahead with a 5 star rating, but it's probably more like 4.5. Either way, I consider this essential.