DISCESA AGL'INFERI D'UN GIOVANE AMANTE

What an wonderful surprise! Il Bacio della Medusa' second record has been just issued and it's already a classic, a superb example of melodic heavy prog with lots of interesting (and unespected) variations.

As other fellow reviewers have pointed out, the concept is about the tale of lovers Paolo e Francesca (from Dante Alighieri's Commedia). Naturally it has been personally developed as a musical journey through the so called other side. There's a wise use and balance of infernal scenes, sad feelings, overwelming sorrows and infinite (sincere) love in the lyrics' themes. The imaginary used is not too original, though, 'cause it's on a similar vein to what La Maschera di Cera have already done with LuxAde (2006) which is, basically, the descent of Orpheus to Hades searching for his dead wife Euridix.

Musically it's another story. Il Bacio della Medusa deliver elaborate arrengements since the first part of the record. The first two sections, in particular, are lead by evocative violin and classic piano with exciting melody and vocals by Simone Cecchini. There's an uplifting crescendo the introduces the listener deep in the infernal themes untile time comes to show Lucifer's land in all its unespected colours and whipping anguish. From La Bestia e il Delirio flute and hammond organ starts suddenly to duet with immense pleasure for the listener (there's no brake between the tracks). So drums (slightly and unfortunately subdued) draw pleasant changing moods helped in the middle part by serious and hard electric guitar soloing. The second half of the tune is a sort of folk rythm thanks to violin, acoustic guitar, flute (which is used massively during the whole running time of the album) and clapping. My favourite track for sure. A gem. Excellent also the saxophone playing and the mix between heavy, classical, folk and bluesy rock souls.

Hammond is the favourite key of the band but moog also can ben found in some short episode. Passion is really the unknown ingredient of the band. You can only rest breathless after such a pure tour de force.