STRONGER, PERFECT

The Fifth Season are an Italian band with their roots nominally in metal. Formed in 2001, progress has been slow for them in terms of a recording career, due in part to a degree of instability in the line up. In 2003, band member Bodhi presented a concept to the band, and writing began on what would eventually become "Stronger, perfect". The work was completed in late 2004, and eventually released in 2006. It can presently be heard in full via streaming on this very site, and four of the tracks can be downloaded from the band's own website.

As both a glance at the line up and a listen to the opening minutes of the album will confirm, the metal tag here should be taken with a pinch of salt. Floating, ambient sounds, melodic flute and drifting keyboards create a fine initial impression as "The first sun" rises. Running to some 10½ minutes, "Prologue: The first sun" makes its way through a succession of impressive styles and sounds. Even when stronger riffs inevitably force their way forward, they are always controlled. With no lead vocalist in the permanent line up, guest singers step in to fulfil the role. Such an arrangement means that the emphasis is placed on strong instrumental passages.

The album's concept kicks in with the first of five "Acts", the theme being a familiar one of ancient gods, myths etc. The lyrics are sung in phonetic English, but the fact that they are largely indecipherable is immaterial. Loud passages with heavy riffs, soaring synths and powerful vocals contrast with serenely beautiful intervals. On "Act III, the marching truth", we are subjected to some growling by a guest vocalist known only as "Paul", but this is counterpointed by semi operatic voices the overall effect being similar to that of Therion.

The 9 minute instrumental "Interlude, the hidden god" features some great retro organ sounds, of the type often heard in the early 1970's. This leads on to the final "Act" and the "Epilogue", the longest two tracks on the album. "Act IV, O Theophagos" moves into Ayreon territories with the majestic themes being presented over a wall of sound. "Epilogue:The demission" offers a suitably melodic conclusion before leading out with several minutes of abstract natural sounds.

It can be difficult to find comparisons for the styles of music presented here. In some ways, overall "The Fifth Season" continue the fine work of their fellow countrymen PFM, especially that band's earlier work. This is no clone set up though, The Fifth season are a band unto themselves, with the talent to fulfil their substantial potential. Make no mistake, this is a superb album, and one which many bands with more famous pedigrees would be proud to put their name to.

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