INFERNO - THE DIVINE COMEDY, PART 1

Ambition will only get you so far. This is an incredibly ambitious, well produced and intricate record that gives more than four hours of solid progressive rock. Despite this however the music isn't of a consistent quality and, after a while it all begins to blend together leading to a frustrating experience when trying to dissect and really follow the album which is frustrating because when this is what's needed when trying to follow the story itself.

On the whole I am impressed with the bands portrayal of Inferno and am happy that in many cases they sing the Canto's as depicted within the books. I am also pleased with the overall style and atmosphere of the album as it seems that there is a genuine attempt to fit it into the mood of the books (the music becoming darker as they descend further into hell for example).

I'm not going to pay any mind to individual songs because it is the general story that is meant to be experienced here and what section of the book the band is given or what role in the album a certain band is meant to play has just as much to do with an artists performance and may not adequately reflect the actual ability of the band themselves, just do know that there are some very evident high points on this album and some, that don't quite reach as high.

Nevertheless, for the production, the ambition and the genuine high points that this album gives it deserves still a good rating. I just wish I could rate it higher but on the whole it is inconsistent and far far far too difficult to take in given the similar style throughout.

3.5 / 5 stars.