NOSTOS

There's no question about this band being influenced by the Italian greats of the seventies. Yet this is modern sounding with crystal clear production. I wasn't expecting the heaviness that comes up periodically, but these guys can really let it rip when they want to.

"Vendetta" opens so beautifully with atosphere and acoustic guitar that is joined by some nice piano melodies. Organ arrives after 2 minutes before we get a full sound. Check out the heaviness as vocal melodies join in. Nice. The vocals are very well done along with the organ that floats in, and check out the guitar leads 4 1/2 minutes in and to follow. A tasteful guitar solo after 8 1/2 minutes. That was my favourite track. "Terra Madre" opens with strummed guitar as drums and reserved vocals come in. I like the synths on this one and the vocals become so uplifting. Piano 3 minutes in. More great synth work after 4 minutes followed by some excellent guitar. "Livia" is the shortest track and opens with piano as synths join in. I really like the organ that brought to mind VIOLETA DE OUTONO. Pounding drums and more synths follow.

"Messia" opens with a spooky atmosphere until replaced by piano. A full sound arrives a minute in. Vocals 2 minutes in. The pounding drums and organ come and go. This is quite bombastic and check out the guitar after 4 minutes. The organ and drums create a fantastic sound. The mellower soundscape that follows is a highlight for me. The last 2 minutes of the song get even more powerful. "Oltre Il Vetro" opens with some guest percussion as vocals and drums arrive. This is a pleasant song with acoustic guitar and organ helping out as well. "Nostos" is the epic at over 23 minutes. I have to agree with Andrea here as I too felt that this was one of my least favourite tracks on the album. It's well done of course, and even amazing at times, but I like most of the other songs better.Some passionate vocals on this one at times, and even some riffing as the guitar and organ both shine. Lots of mood and tempo changes make this an interesting track to listen to. "La Tua Casa Comoda" is a cover of a IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO tune. Some nice piano on this one. Great guitar solo 3 minutes in.

There's lots to like about this record. They seem to have a real respect and love for the older Italian prog bands and it comes through in their music. 3.5 stars as it just hasn't clicked with me yet.