CAMPO DI MARTE

This is another of these hidden gems released by a rather discreet and unknown band.

While the opener is mostly a heavy rock affair, it features a wonderful flute part which is just an enchantment for the listener (at least for me). It is combined again with these super heavy and scary sounds which are not alien to Biafra 80 (from Ange's debut album). It is an excellent start for this album.

As if the band wanted to be forgiven, they produced a sweet and gentle track to follow, which is fully in the vein of what you could find on Trespass. What is amazing, is that the last ten seconds almost sounds as the intro for Burn (yes, the Purple track, released in .1974).

Most of the songs are actually a combination of heavy riffs and the most delicate Italian symphonic prog. Quite a combination I would say. This album is astonishing: the musicians played impeccably, the song writing is excellent and combinations are great. One of the minus points are the vocals and the production (but don't forget that this record was released in '73).

To talk about highlights would almost consist of enumerating each song featured, with the exception of the Quarto Tempo probably: it starts with church organ, catches up with heavy beats for a few seconds and closes as a Hackett acoustic piece. All of this within three minutes!

The fifth movement has more folk roots (both musically and vocally) and it is not the best part from this album. But we'll get there again with Sesto Tempo: some more heavy rhythms combined with medieval aspects. Fortunately, these are not too dominant. The band is transporting the listener into their complex world of symphony, passion and hectic atmosphere. It is another convincing number.

The closing Settimo Tempo is yet again very good: a more complex track which features several theme changes as well as musical styles. It is a very enjoyable track to be honest and an excellent manner to finish this remarkable album.

I quite like this record and I can't think of no less than four stars to rate it. This Italian band plays a music which reminds me of both Crimson and Ange, but with added Italian flavour. Some great music which deserves to be discovered, really.