S.E.I.

This is the latest studio album from LA MASCHERA DI CERA released in 2020. They have been a five piece right from that 2002 debut and technically still are but they show the drummer and sax/flute players as guests as the original flautist left after the previous album along with the drummer. The new blower is from DELIRIUM while the guy on the kit is from IL TEMPIO DELLE CLESSIDRE. This is one of those modern RPI bands who have captured that 70's RPI sound almost to perfection. In part it's the vocals but also the mellotron and keyboards. The bass from Zuffanti has such a nasty tone to it and is a highlight for sure.

Only three tracks but worth 45 minutes. I have to say this one really impressed me but it's not without it's faults. I would put it though with "Il Grande Labirinto" and "Le Porte Del Domani" my top three albums from them. So yes this is a great record overall. It's so warm with the flute, mellotron and vocals especially bringing the heat. It doesn't get much better than that almost 22 minute opener "Il Tempo Millinario" a symphonic delight. Themes are repeated and this is a long ride. So many highlights usually involving the bass or mellotron. Some boiling organ and the sax is on fire in the second half. The singer plays acoustic guitar and we get that during some of the calms. Flute is great as well.

I'm not as big on the middle track "Il Cerchio Del Comando" at 10 minutes although the first four minutes are outstanding. The closer "Vacho Senso" at almost 14 minutes features some new sounds like distorted organ bringing Canterbury to mind and jazzy sax leads. The flute to start is haunting and brings ANGLAGARD to mind before it kicks in beautifully with heavy bass, drums and mellotron. Oh my! There are some real swings in music styles on this one. Lots of piano as well. Jazzy flute around 6 1/2 minutes followed by that distorted organ 8 minutes in. Huge bass lines follow. Such highs to this album.

Easily 4 stars and it was a pleasure to spend time with this band, it's been a while.