UNDERWORLD

My first impression of Adagio was that the music was so full of good symphonic ideas that it totally rules in this particular style and genre of music! My second impression, Adagio is probably one of the best new Symphonic Prog bands to come out in some time! And my third impression, I bought Adagio's latest album Underworld, and I'll buy the next one blindly.

As for Adagio's 2003 studio release, the album continues where Sanctus Ignus left off. On average, the songs are lengthier, heavier, more complex and full of some very cool little musical moments. At one point, you get the feeling the album is skipping - remember when you use to listen to those scratched vinyl albums - but here, the moment is completely staged by the composer and the bands' performance is exquisitely fine-tuned. There is another moment where Forte performs some "oscillating swells" of arpeggios with his guitar, truly an unbelievable moment. The first 5 minutes of the albums' title track has an allure of a big movie soundtrack until finally, Forte allows you to enter his "underworld"!

What can I say? I submitted a lengthier review of Sanctus Ignis for those of you interested in getting more detailed information, do check that album out. Sanctus Ignis is perhaps an easier album to get into while Underworld is definitely more demanding. It is impossible to be disappointed with the music of Adagio if you enjoy music with Symphonic/Prog/Neo-classical metal influences!