QUIA NESCIUNT QUID FACIUNT

Let's start from the cover art: thre drops of ink resembling the christian symbol of the angel. You can see it on the album cover of Jesus Christ Superstar. So it's a sort of remind to a black angel. Nothing satanic, it just makes the pair with the album title which is in latin and is taken from the gospels: it's JC on the cross sayng; "Father forgive them as they don't know what they are doing"

Apart of it, this doesn't look like a concept album about religious stuff, to me it's more a normal collection of songs. Let's stick on them:

"Bait of Success" is an instrumental consisting essentially in two recurrung themes: a piano and bass part followed by a chorus made of four chords. After few repetition, harpsichord first, then the bass clarinet enter a theme that could feature in Morricone's western movie soundtracks. Then the remaining half of the track is a coda lead by the guitar.

"Daybreaking" is better for my tastes: clarinet, trumpet and flute over a melodic base of piano, bass and guitar brings memories of the early Camel, then after a pause and a guitar transition it becomes darker. The trumpets give a particular feeling to this track with its various signatures. It's likely the result of various musical ideas joined together. a bit reminding of Yojo, another Russian band.

One minute and half of melodic piano with a classical vibe (Fountain) introduces "Se Camminiamo Nella Luce" (If we Walk In the Light). The structure of this track is quite typical of Roz Vitalis, its style in unmistakeable: chord progression and slow tempo that changes drastically into something more rhythmic after an interesting short transition made by trumpet and clarinet.

"Premonition" is the longest track, scoring a bit over 9 minutes. It starts with a Debussy like intro of flute and harpsichord then joined by bass, drums and distorted guitar that alternate calmer and more rocking moments. Sometimes a bit chaotic, but it maintaines its consistency even when close to the end it becomes very calm and melancholic with a coda of bass and clarinet closed by a Gilmour like bended strings guitar.

"Walking" starts when Premonition ends. It's a sort of prosecution from the previous track. Also here there's a good guitar work, both in the solo part and in the distorted chords. A quite unexpected harpsichord solo in the middle changes the mood, but again, it's a sort of structure that I suppose is derived by classical music. The band is then suddenly back with flute, guitar and synth taking their moments.

A sudden end and "Wides" starts with bass and harpsichord entering the main theme. A thing that I have noticed throughout the album, is that despite being made of many different moments, almost all the "parts" are made of sequences of couple of chords. This track in particular has a '70s vibe. The synth with its very high notes is reminiscent of Goblin (at least in my mind), but without the Goblin's horrorific vibe.

Also "The Man Whose Wings Were Cut" follows seamlessly. Its guitar solo intro is a sort of bridge and this time the horror soundtrack vibe is back. I've listened to a lot of Roz Vitalis albums and this is the first time that I realize this apparent connection with Goblin. I've often wondered why some songs and even albums titles are in Italian. May this be a reason? Regardless this consideration, as I'm a listener who sometimes likes dark ambients, I must say that this is the track that I enjoy more, the last two minutes in particular. Very nice chords progression with organ and harpsichord.

"Beautifulness" it's quite a typical Roz Vitalis instrumental. Apparently melodic, it has darker passages. Flute and clarinets add a dremy environment that in some points makes me think to Debussy. Unfortunately it has a sudden end and it could have been expanded a bit mor.

Finally, the allbum is closed by a short piano solo. Short but nice.

As for many Roz Vitalis albums, its strentgh is also its weakness. The various themes inside the single tracks make them not easy to concentrate on for the occasional listener. I have to admit that I needed mutliple listens to this album in order to enter into the right mood, but in the end it's a rewarding experience. It requires attention.

Having to assign a star rating, I'd say 3.5.