ARX ATLANTIS

When a band has been around for forty years, with a fairly unchanged line-up for more than thirty, it perhaps isn't unsurprising that they know what they are doing. Aldo Bergamini (guitar, vocals), Andrea Bertino (violin), Davide Cristofoli (keyboards), Paolo Ferrarotti (keyboards, vocals, drums), Dino Fiore (bass) and Mattia Garimanno (drums) follow a classic RPI path, with strong symphonic elements, all lyrics in Italian, and plenty of bombast to combine with the different styles they are bringing together. The arrangements are lush, and while the vocals may not be as strong as some may wish, to me they are perfectly matched to the music.

Unusually for RPI the drums are quite high in the mix, but this has been done quite deliberately as Mattia has a deft touch, and his various rhythms make the album stand out, along with complex keyboards and wonderful violin. Hugely structured and complex, yet also incredibly enjoyable and listenable, this is a wonderful album for any lovers of this style of progressive rock.