ZED

I was blown away when I first heard this album, two massive tracks that build up like a train rolling towards you that blows your mind as it thunders past. The playing is grander, slower and more moving than the insanely-paced Trimegisto. The lyrics are entirely in Italian, which may or may not be your cup of tea--personally I love the sound, even though I don't understand what it's about. The first track, Zed, begins with a quiet, flourishing brass introduction, which is brutally crushed by a slow, heavy metal riff that sends shivers down my spine. The second track, Mnar, is more spacey and ethereal but equally powerful. I highly recommend this album to any fan of Italian progressive rock or darker bands like Magma, Eskaton, Arachnoid etc. The only downside to this album are the sometimes long-winded progressive riffs that are an inevitable part of 20min songs.