BARBARICA

One of the greatest, if not the greatest Italian prog album of the last few years was the debut from Il Tempio Delle Clessidre. An album that really captured the essence of what is so special about Italian prog. Symphonic prog at its best full of stunning melodies and soaring instrumental work it was one of the highlights of 2010. Of note was the fact that the band featured none other than vocalist Stefano " Lupo" Galifi from legendary Italian sympnonic prog band Museo Rosenbach. Since making one album with Il Tempio Delle Clessidre he's jumped ship and joined the reformed Museo Rosenbach which also features two other original members - Albert Moreno on bass and drummer Giancarlo Golzi. Along with four new members Barbarica is their first new album (not including the live in the studio reworking of the their classic Zarathustra).

Like fellow Italians Alphataurus, who've also made a recent and unexpected comeback, they've produced a solid effort though it won't be troubling Zarathustra for best album status in their catalogue. Also like Alphataurus its slick and well played though just a little sterile and lacks the compelling nature of their masterpiece. Nevertheless the five compositions are good to very good symphonic prog with heavy touches with some pleasing instrumental work alongside Galifi's very capable vocals. A welcome return then but whether Galifi lives to regret leaving Il Tempio Delle Clessidre remains to be seen, who seem more at the cutting edge of the current RPI scene, long awaited second album due in a few months I believe. 3 ½ stars.