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Il Bacio Della Medusa - Discesa Agl'Inferi d'un Giovane Amante CD (album) cover

DISCESA AGL'INFERI D'UN GIOVANE AMANTE

Il Bacio Della Medusa

 

Rock Progressivo Italiano

4.22 | 362 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
5 stars The debut album from this Italian band was rather on the heavy prog side. And to my surprise, this follow-up is quite different and much more diverse hence more interesting.

Passionate vocals, crafted piano play, subtle violin, sweet flute. We're almost in for a vintage Italian symphonic prog album! This is especially true during the first two moving and great songs from this work. But the whole will convey this great impression.

The story is based on some of Dante's work, and I quite prefer the interpretation made here than during the TD trilogy to be honest; but that's another topic. Some more classical (or medieval) soundscapes are also available ("La Bestia Ed Il Delirio") and only confirm the new musical approach of the band.

Some fine Hammond organ are also illuminating this album (same track, second part); just as a confirmation of BDM's first love: heavy prog music. Which is pretty much fine with me.

Some darker and heavier atmosphere are available as well, which adds another pleasant layer to this "Discesa?". Don't forget that the album was issued by the "Black Widow" label. The intriguing "Recitativo" just confirms this feeling.

For those of you who were expecting a heavier approach: don't worry. You'll still get these! The great "Ricordi Del Supplisio" should fill all your needs. Great fluting (remember than Ian Anderson once said: "Flute is a heavy, metal instrument"). This is a devastating track: full of wild keyboards à la "Atomic Rooster" and superb drumming experience. This song is also pretty close to the very good "Black Widow" band. The same heavy tendency (but with less flavour) can be noticed during "Nostalgia?".

When I listen to this album, I am automatically brought back in the seventies (my teenage days). Brilliant instrumentation, beautiful melodies, harder passages combined to some spacey ones, skilled musicians ("Sudorazione"). I quite like this actually. But who wouldn't???

Almost Trespass-esque and exquisite feel is filling your body while listening to the wonderful "Melencolia". A pure jewel, crystal beauty from start to finish. Shivers all around the body. A highlight of Italian symph. A highlight of prog music. Such a piece brings me in heaven (spiritually I mean?). It is a fantastic moment of indeed the greatest melancholy. But I'm a melancholy man, that's what I am...

The whole band is at l'unisson for the remarkable "E Fu Allora?". A short instrumental which shows all the talent of the band. Simply excellent.

It is amazing to see the evolution of the band. This album is really flirting with the nirvana, and almost reaches perfection. Just listen to the sublime "Nosce Te Ipsum". Another gorgeous instrumental: sometimes scary (some Crimson feel), sometimes melodic yet complex and dark.

By now, I have totally succumbed. Can't help. These violin sounds, the dramatic rendition, the passionate play are overwhelming to the bones. Have a listen to this masterpiece. One of the best album in 2008, for sure.

Five stars. Superb.

ZowieZiggy | 5/5 |

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