GOLD

The new millenium found Presence without a regular drummer but that woould not stop the band from participating on the Black Widow compilation ''Children of Black Widow'', a tribute to the 70's Black Widow band, covering the ''Attack of the demon''.At the same time the trio of Baccini, Casamassima and Iglio (also responsible for the drum work this time) got prepared for the band's fourth studio album.This was entitled ''Gold'', inspired by Virginia Stait's novel ''The witches planet'' and eventually released in 2001.

This is another effort which shows that Presence seem stuck on the style already known from ''Makumba'' with little changes during the passing time.But what this band does, it does it good.Heavy Symphonic Prog with a bombastic and grandiose sound with hard-sounding guitars, sometimes distorted, clean and almost operatic female vocals and a pounding rhythm section.There are even occasional steps into the Classical/Avant territory with strong piano themes but the general picture remains a really powerful style in the vein of DEVIL DOLL, and that is symphonic arrangements with energetic rhythms, plenty of solos, atmospheric keyboard/piano/organ work and a deep and dark mood throughout.Meanwhile Baccini's performance remains still an ace for the band.A great female singer with an angry, theatrical and expressive voice, often leading the music to where she wants.But the total absence of diversity in Presence's offerings is possible to bother some listeners.

Dark, orchestral Symphonic Prog is once more the proposal of Presence.No signs of a true sound development but also no signs the band has lost the inspiration in what they do.Recommended.