ELEMENTI

This is the second installment of the trilogy and a huge improvement over the first one ("Il Fiume"). I really feel like they have gone back to their roots on this one, and in my opinion this is their best record since 1974's "Contrappunti". Hey even the length of the album at just over 42 minutes is a trip back in time. Love the cover art by the legendary Paul Whitehead that pictures the four elements(Earth, Fire, Air and Water).

"Danza Del Vento (prima parte)" opens with the sound of the wind blowing before synths dominate. Drums after 1 1/2 minutes as a full sound kicks in. Nice. Organ then guitar come to the forefront. Fantastic instrumental. "Il Vento, Il Cielo E La Notte" opens with gentle guitar before the legendary vocals of Aldo come in. Gulp. Violin melodies and vocals take turns before it kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes.This is so emotional ! The guitar is heart breakingly good. Synths then take over as the first song is reprised. A calm 4 1/2 minutes and vocals return. Guitar is back before 6 1/2 minutes lighting it up. It blends into "Danza Del Vento (seconde parte)" where an uptempo melody takes over with the guitar ripping it up.

"Danza Della Terra" opens with heavy percussion and fuzzed out organ as piano joins in.This sounds incredible.The organ comes ripping in around a minute as drums pound away. Check out the bass ! Very interesting track. "Risveglio" opens with a gong, then spoken words. Vocals a minute in as the synths cry out. "Canto Di Preghiera" opens with choir-like sounds. Piano and synths before a minute. Vocal melodies follow. Great sound. It blends into "Lord Of Dance" which has an uptempo melody with lots of synths and drums. Vocals after a minute are those of Michele, and he is excellent. Nice drum work 2 1/2 minutes in. Rain and thunder ends it as it blends into "Danza Della Pioggia". Beautiful piano melodies come in. So moving.

"Dove Tutto E !" features sitar and violin with Aldo singing. Interesting tune. It works. "Luce Dorata" opens with floating organ as vocals come in. Synths before a minute. "Danza del Fuoco" opens with piano as some killer organ comes in briefly. Organ, piano and drums lead the way. Excellent melody. Chunky bass comes in later. It blends into "Il Respiro" is a highlight with those fantastic vocals and the guitar that comes and goes. Hey the piano isn't bad either. "Danza Del Vento (terza parte)" builds to a killer soundscape not unlike SPOCK'S BEARD. Organ and drums lead the way, although guitar and bass shine too. "Risveglio (ripresa)" is led by those incredible vocals as organ, synths and drums support. The wind (like at the start of the album) blows in to end it. Nice.

A must for fans of their earlier classic works. LE ORME is back !