THE SEDUCTION OF MADNESS

For the life of me, I'm trying to remember why I bought this album a few years ago and I can't come up with an answer. I'm not a fan of prog metal and I don't have any other types of this kind of prog to judge/compare it to. So, I'll just come out and say it's not my type of music, BUT, it has some merit. Seravalle's vocals fly all over the place. He reminds me of the dude from the Italian band Deus Ex Machina if that particular band leaned towards metal. In spots, there's a definate Fish era Marillion sound to his vocals but for the most part, it's a screetch-fest with some toned down singing on tracks like 'Noia', which is the sole ballad. There's Fripp-like guitar on the first track but for most of the time Seravalle's guitar sounds like a car having a hard time starting, it just grinds and grinds. They do mix things up a bit with some carnival-like melodies and some looped sound effects, (babies crying and phones ringing). Keyboards are keep in the background but will occasionally pop up front for a run or two. It's mainly a showcase for Seravalle's vocals and guitar wailings. I will admit at times I want to throw this disc out my car window, yet I'm totally intrigued by the balls these guys have throwing around time signatures and the ultra goofy lyrics. I can't for sanity's sake give it anything more than three stars, although 2.5 is more like it. If you're a prog metal fan you may give it higher marks but three it is. A one of a kind disc in my collection for sure. For adventurous prog fans only!