STANDARTE

Originating from Pisa, Italy this excellent Black Widow Records discovery was active through the 90's, led by keyboardist Michele Profeti, performing initially as a trio with bassist Stefano Gabbani and drummer Daniele Caputo completing the line-up.Standarte made their debut in 1995 with a self-titled album, released both on CD and vinyl formats and featuring Steve Mattews on the spoken parts.

It makes no surprise that the band was strongly influenced by ATOMIC ROOSTER, as the album was dedicated to VINCENT CRANE, who had died a few years ago.Standarte played a massive, keyboard-based Heavy/Psychedelic Rock with Hammond organ and Mellotron particularly in evidence, being definitely one of the most retro-sounding acts of the 90's.With vocals in English and the storytelling narrations of Mattews helping on capturing a 70's feeling, the music is dominated by haunting, monster Mellotron waves and psychedelic organ washes with deep bass and dynamic drumming supporting, while the voice of Daniele Caputo is excellent with no obvious accent problems.The sound is powerful, sinister and passionate all the way with pounding grooves, dark melodies and atmospheric keyboard interludes.The album features also lots of guitar plays with a typical Heavy Rock attitude, split in rhythmic lines and punchy solos, however no guitarist is credited in the album's notes neither an official Standarte member seems to handle it.Other strong reminders are certainly DEEP PURPLE in the powerful tunes and THE MOODY BLUES in the more orchestrated parts, a combination of styles that works extremely well in an album full of raw 70's power and one the best keyboard performances to be heard by a Prog group throughout the 90's, having a nostalgic and deeply atmospheric approach.

No less than highly recommended.A true gem of the 90's, that could have been easily recorded in 1970.Dynamic, intricate and irritating Progressive Rock of a fantastic quality.