INFERNO

A very solid example of the RPI sound, Metamorfosi took a quantum leap from their debut lp to create the mini masterpiece Inferno. Based on Dante's Inferno, the album is instrumentally adventurous, well recorded and a great introduction for newcomers to what the RPI sound is all about.

Opener Introduzione takes us through an ELP styled piano/organ/drums high tempo race. Here keyboardist Enrico Olivieri flashes his brilliance on an array of keyboards, but especially his synth lines are a stand out, (one of the better uses of moog in Italian rock), and this song is a strong representation of what you have in store for you. Vocalist Jimmy Spitaleri may be a problem for some, as his distinct operatic vocals seem at odds with the music underneath. Explosions lead us to another level of hell. Lussuriosi is harpsichord driven with falsetto chorale vocals that pulls a fade that seems indicate the end of side one, but it fades back for a quick Avari, which unleashes some powerful moog before quickly fading once again.

Side two weaves together seamlessly as a single song despite individual titles. It opens with Violenti, once again featuring the very distinct operatic vocals and builds in tempo for a PFM styled race to the finish line with the moog once again leading the way. This shifts instantly into Malebolge, an organ driven high tempo song again featuring strong vocals. Wakeman-esque synth lines weave on top of some complex ELP styled keyboard workouts (guitar is all but non existent on this record). For those who like keyboard heavy prog, this is a smorgasbord on display. It is a shame that some will never be able to get past the vocals, as he adds that nearly indefinable Italian touch to the proceedings. The instrumental intro to Razzisti has echoes of their former 60's era origins and is a fast piano workout over a blistering but catchy rhythm section. Lucifero (Politiciani) kicks off with a discordant synth run with snatches of La Marseillaise and the Soviet national anthem lead us to a deeper circle of hell, one reserved for politicians. A gentle falsetto chorale brings our journey to an end, (fading out on an unsettling moog warble), and it is a fairly wild ride well worth your time.

I feel like if you replaced Spitaleri with any UK second tier prog vocalist singing in English (which I'd never want to do) that many fans would be lauding this for decades and you'd see Metamorfosi t shirts at Yes concerts to this day. Many Italian bands resemble ELP in varying fashions, and this is another one, but with a richness to their sound that ELP lacked. Rustichelli and Bordini would also be a good reference point for the outstanding keyboard work and excellent and prominent use of moog. Highly recommended for both RPI and prog fans.

The reissue Lp is a stunning reproduction of the original release in matte cover with a distinctive surrealist cover. Beautiful package that enhances the whole experience. 4.5 stars