ASRAVA

Apparently Logos had written material for more than one CD and their next move was to record down these tracks for an instant follow-up to the debut.Among the tracks having a definite shape was ''L'enigma della vita'', which was not recorded at the end and appeared only 13 years later on Logos' third album.Meanwhile the band stopped any live activity to focus on rehearsing the songs and the process begun in August 2000.Just one month prior to finishing the album Fabio Gaspari left the band to dedicate himself to acoustic music and he was replaced by Simone Chiampan.In August 2001 the second album ''Asrava'' finally saw the light.

Already from the beginning and the deep, grandiose, synth-driven orchestration of ''Prologo'' the listener can feel that something special is going to follow.And the taste is sweet and spicy.''Asrava'' appears to be one of the most well-hidden gems of Italian Prog in the 2000-10 period, a masterful work of symphonic-oriented Progressive Rock, much more personal than the band's debut and composed with a palette of powerful colors, intense arrangements and edgy performances.Their vastly keyboard-based sound on ''Logos'' has been replaced by a more balanced, instrumental team with plenty of room for some great guitar moves and solos.But the synthesizers and organ are still present to offer delicate moves and impressive runs and solos.Their slightly heavier style combined with the smoother instrumentals and the poetic atmosphere during the vocal sections bring to mind a cross between LA MASCHERA DI CERA and CONSORZIO AQUA POTABILE.The tracks are long and fascinating with splendid, Italian-flavored melodies, bombastic moments with keyboard/guitar interplays, plenty of tempo switches and an unmet lyricism with superb, emotional Italian vocals.Logos sound now much more symphonic and demanding that a couple of years ago and the album has been taken care in each of its details.Lovely acoustic segments, some dark church organ monstrosity and a Medieval-like Classicism complete the new face of the band, resulting a monumental album of the Italian Prog scene.

Most authors passed by this album at the time of its release.Do not turn your back on this.Italian Prog at its best, rich, grandiose and sensitive at the same time, no less than highly recommended.