CAP. 7 - TRA LE ANTICHE MURA

This fine Italian band is rooted in 1974 but it took a while before Il Castello Di Atlante presented their highly acclaimed first album entitled Sono Io Il Signore Delle Terre A Nord, in 1992. It was one of the first new Italian bands I got familiar with in the Nineties (after stumbling upon all those Classic Italian Prog bands in the Seventies and Eighties), along other interesting bands like Malibran, Asgard, Nuova Era, Arcansiel, Eris Pluvia and Calliope. They still make music but it turned out that Il Castello Di Atlante is not a very prolific band: another five albums, in 14 years, their latest Arx Atlantis is from 2016. Il Castello Di Atlante also performed in Mexico on the annual Baja Prog Festival (2005) and later in Japan (2008). This review is about their most praised effort entitled Capitolo 7, made after their tour in Japan. By the way, I read that all members of the Seventies line-up are back, after original bass player Dino Fiore returned, including musical brainchild Roberto Giordano (keyboards, piano, vocals, composer). That is very special, a genuine reunion!

Listening to this fifth album (2009) one of my conclusions is that their sound is still a very melodic and harmonic blend of Seventies symphonic rock and neo-symphonic rock (hints of early Marillion). Most of the alternating compositions clock between 10 and 20 minutes featuring flowing shifting moods, often compelling interplay between sensitive electric guitar and varied keyboards and warm (a bit melancholical) Italian vocals. Their strongest point is the tasteful colouring by classical instruments (piano, guitar and violin) and a wide range of keyboards, from bombastic church- organ and fat synthesizer flights to tender Grand piano and delicate harpsichord.

Although I miss absolute highlights (fellow reviewer 'Nightfly 'mentioned this also), to me this album sounds as pleasant and accessible progrock that will please the more romantic oriented progheads.

My rating: 3,5 star.