PETALI DI FUOCO

"Petali di Fuoco" is a bit of a shift for La Maschera di Cera. The emphasis here seems an attempt to make a more streamlined, concise, and accessible RPI album. Whereas the previous album had long tracks that meandered a bit, here the compositions are laser focused on sticking on your brain. A huge impact on the band's sound is the addition of new lead guitarist Matteo Nahum who is an unbelievably gifted player. This time around guitars are as important as keyboards in the mix. The new songs are mostly hard-hitting and energetic prog rock numbers with smooth, easy-on-the-ears vocals, rippin' flute playing, powerful drumming, and Nahum's stoked guitar. He plays a very smooth, fluid, and melodic style of lead guitar, polished and soaring, some might say a bit predictable at times, but of undeniable high quality. If I were rating this band on technical ability and refined sound, it would be unfair to give them less than five stars for this album. However, my Fabio Zuffanti problem continues. This guy is just a legend and a product-machine, John Davie coined him quite perfectly as the Italian Steven Wilson. But nearly every release from him is a similar experience for me. Flawless playing and superb production, but ultimately an album experience that fails to truly excite me. Despite the positive attributes this album is beautiful and safe at the expense of the gritty and unpredictable elements that make Italian prog rock so fantastic. This is a good album in so many ways and most people are going to wonder how I can criticize it. I really can't other than to call it a taste issue. RPI fans should check this out and many should be pleasantly surprised, but this listener finds the experience a bit middle of the road.

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