IL RISVEGLIO DEL PRINCIPE

"Il Risveglio Del Principe" is the 4th full-length studio album by Italian progressive rock act Celeste. The album was released through Mellow Records in 2019. It´s the successor to "I Suoni In Una Sfera" from 1992 and it´s the first Celeste release to feature material not recorded in the 70s. Both "II" (1991) and "I Suoni In Una Sfera" (1992) features archive material recorded in the 70s.

Stylistically it´s obvious that Celeste have aimed for a mellow and pleasant sounding progressive rock style, which is similar in sound to their 1976 debut album. They succeed some of the way as "Il Risveglio Del Principe" is a beautiful and tranquill sounding release, featuring a longing melancholic atmosphere and the occasional more epic moment. Subdued Italian language vocals, flute, saxophone, cello, violin, acoustic guitars (and the occasional use og electric guitars too), and loads of mellotron and other vintage keyboard/synth sounds. The influences are both from 70s progressive rock (early Genesis in particular), classical music, folk rock, and a slight touch of jazz. That part of the music is generally well composed, well performed, and well produced.

Where "Il Risveglio Del Principe" doesn´t succeed as well and where it differs in sound from the iconic debut album, is the omnipresence of drums. An instrument only rarely heard on the debut album. It´s not in itself an issue that "Il Risveglio Del Principe" features drums, but the fact that they aren´t that interesting and just seem to plod along is. Drums could have added a lot to the album, but instead they become a tedious element. They are a bit low in the mix and don´t feature the most interesting production either, so unfortunately that part of the music leaves a bit to be desired.

Other than the relatively lifeless drumming, "Il Risveglio Del Principe" is a high class progressive rock album, so if you can look past that issue, Celeste have crafted a great comeback album. So many years down the line and they still sound like themselves. I´m impressed by the strong identity of the band and how they are able to release something of this quality. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.