THE WOOD OF TALES

Another major name of the growing Italian progressive rock scene of the late-80's/early-90's along with Nuova Era,Ezra Winston,Sithonia etc...They were found in 1987 in Catania,Sicily,starting an almost metal band,before refining their sound by late-80's into a delicate symphonic package,influenced by the 70's Italian legends.First album ''The wood of tales'' was originally released in 1990 by Pegaso Records and it's their only release totally sung in English.

Forget about the English lyrics,as ''The wood of tales'' is sounding more like a lost gem of the 70's Italian prog wave than anything close to UK prog.It is mostly an instrumental release coming like a cross between BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO,OSANNA and BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO,featuring tons of dark symphonic arrangements,filled with strong flute work,atmospheric synths and delicious Hammong organ passages.Especially the flutes are to the fore,ranging from gentle sounds to haunting driving parts,while keyboardist's Beny Torrisi style reminds me a lot of NUOVA ERA's Walter Pini,being at the same time classical-tinged and melodic.Some very intense grandiose parts in terms of symphonicism are fully characterized by strange and powerful guitar chords,good solos,changing tempos and deep keyboard work...Believe me,this is one of the finest prog rock works to come out in the 1980-1990 period with a very uncommercial sound and trully profressional performances and arrangements,demanding repeated listenings to be appreciated.Highly recommended to all fans of symphonic rock!