QUINTESSENZA

By the time of ''Come il seguitare delle stagioni'' bassist Dino Fiore had already left the band and was replaced for a short time by a new member named Walter.Walter's bass work was going along the lines of Il Castello di Atlante but, not fond of the style, he quit soon to be replaced by Franco Fava.The new line-up recorded a track for the 3CD compilation ''Kalevala'' (2003) of the Finnish magazine Colossus and begun to work on new material.As with the previous album, Crovella of Electromantic Records issued the album in both vinyl and CD formats.The title was ''Quintessenza'' (the fifth album of the band, cinque, and essenza for the band's essence on music).

As Il Castello di Atlante never parted ways with their roots, they could not do else than deliver once more excellent Symphonic Rock with an Italian flavor around.Actually the new album finds them even more mature musically speaking and the listener will soon find himself completely hooked by the two grand epics of the album, the opening 12-min. ''Non Puoi Fingere'' and the closing 15-min. ''Il Tempo a Venire''.Both feature romantic Italian vocals, beautiful symphonic arrangements, great interplays and emotional atmospheres, where guitars, piano, violins and keyboards offer dreamy and ethereal soundscapes, no matter having a relaxing or more dynamic approach.For these tracks alone the album deserves to be purchased.But the shorter compositions are not bad either, never escaping the borders of Classic Italian Prog, maybe the violin work is a bit more on the forefront, along the lines of P.F.M. or QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA.The only flaw of the album is detected on the limited use of synthesizers, which sound a bit pale in comparison to the other instruments.

The best work of the band so far and the title of the album could not be more appropriate.This is trully essential Italian Symphonic Rock, filled with emotion and professional musicianship at the highest level.Il Castello di Atlante cannot escape from their 70's roots but this is no problem since the music is so challenging.Highly recommended.