BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO

This first album from "Biglietto Per L' Inferno" should please the Tull fans. Especially if, like me, you are keen on their harder side. Because this album is a well balanced mix between true and beautiful Italian prog and some hard-rocking scents.

One of my favourite in this combined genre is "Confessione". Heavy guitar riff, solid drumming, skilled piano and to make the link with Tull more obvious, some flute. This should be enough to convince you.

I particularly appreciate "Una Strana Regina". It is such a diverse song. Changing from mood frequently (but this a genuine characteristic from the band). Very sweet guitar solo and wonderful instrumental final section. But most of this album is instrumental with here and there brilliant interventions from the lead singer Claudio Canali. This piece is very melodic and even if it sounds a bit outdated, it is a very poignant musical jewel.

But Italian prog frequently offers such beauties.

This album does not hold any weaknesses (even if the opener "Ansia" is maybe less interesting). One thing is for sure : the listener can't be bored. The music is so diversified. Nothing like verse / chorus line. By no means. Such a beautiful travel into melody and some harder sounds.

The epic "L' Amico Suicida" opens on the most emotional part of this whole album. But the contrast is severe after two minutes. Maybe due to the theme of this song (suicide). It is really an excellent piece of music. Canali on the vocals is again performing an excellent job. It is the least accessible number from this debut album. If you like keyboards oriented music, more complex structure there are chances that you will be blown away with "L'Amico Suicida".

It would be great to get a remastered version for this very good album. Four stars.