STIMMUNG

I think the band knew at this point in their careers that this project was coming to a close. They only had enough material for half an album, so they used live tracks for the other half. As usual this Italian band brings back the seventies sound with vintage keys, hammond organ and mellotron. Vocals are in English and this is properly filed under Heavy-prog, one of my favourite genres(hello King By-Tor!). I have to say that I can't help but love the way this band sounds. I value all three of their studio albums.

"Intro" is dark with heavy guitar that slowly rises up, drums follow. Yes this is an intro ! Mellotron comes and goes. Nice. "(We Want) A Peaceful Village" is a heavy tune with drums, organ and vocals leading the way.The tempo really picks up 30 seconds in.The guitar becomes aggressive as vocals and organ shine. It settles down some after 2 1/2 minutes before kicking back in. "Kankweezler" opens with mellotron and reserved vocals. A nice heavy sound a minute in. Some good organ runs a minute later. Guitar solo after 3 minutes as drums impress late. "Stimmung" opens like "Dont' Fear The Reaper" only faster. Organ, drums, guitar and mellotron are all so good on this one. "Sonnermensch" builds with solid drums and powerful organ. This is a fantastic instrumental.

The last 5 songs are live. "Moon In Cancer" is the highlight as far as mellotron goes. This is a live instrumental. The organ is killer as well. "Dark Satanic Hill" is another outstanding track with some great guitar 2 1/2 minutes in. "In My Time Of Dying" was on one of their previous studio albums.The organ again steals the show. They seem to just jam part way through. "Yellow Cave Woman" is another favourite of mine. Love the drumming as the guitar starts to light it up. Amazing tune. "I Won't Start Another Song" is perhaps prophetic as far as this band is concerned. The Hammond is all over this one. Nice contrasts throughout and some ripping guitar after 4 minutes.

The picture in the liner notes of Michele Profeti surrounded by banks of keyboards says it all about this album. 4 solid stars.