T.R.E.S.

Not everyone is enamored with dark gothic rock. I am. Take, for example, the album that lies before me now, "T.R.E.S." by the Italian band Malombra. This disc does not let go of me. The work is filled with progressive hard rock and an ominous atmosphere. The album continues to grow on me more and more. Where is this heading?

First, I'd like to explain something about the title of the album. How is it that the fourth fruit in the band's discography is named "T.R.E.S."? The answer is actually quite simple. "T.R.E.S." was partially recorded in the late '90s but ended up on the shelf. More than 25 years later, a renewed Malombra decides it's time to finish the recordings. Ecco!

During my initial listening session, my perception was quite different. In my opinion, the band undermines its own efforts by throwing up an insurmountable wall of sound right after the spacey intro. Fortunately, the reviewer in me wanted to keep listening, and it was a good thing I did. "T.R.E.S" is a cool album that deserves my full attention.

After the daring start of Astarte Syriaca, the music unfolds with a lot of Mellotron and lush bass guitar playing. There's also a good amount of tumultuous guitar work reminiscent of Hawkwind and old Eloy. However, the vocals don't quite match. Malombra isn't in need of a smooth singer, and from that perspective, what Mercy does is actually okay. In the subsequent Baccanalia, he redeems himself. We hear an eccentric blend of sinister sounds, recitations, staccato rhythms, stirring vocals, captivating guitar play, and rolling drums. All of this takes place in an excellent composition that highlights the band's class.

The nearly twelve-minute Malombra is a predominantly calm track. Here again, Mercy comes in with some recitations and the band unleashes with a few stirring passages. Allucinazione Ipnagogica is a nice interlude with Mellotron and acoustic guitar. After this track, it's time for the centerpiece of the album, an epic lasting more than 17 minutes, going by the name Cerchio Gaia 666. It's a thunderous piece, a bit too intense for my taste. However, the last few minutes, with their tinkling keyboard theme, are wonderfully beautiful. With Fantasmagoria 1914, the gentlemen consistently touch the sky, making "T.R.E.S." exceptional. We can part with a satisfied feeling accompanied by the graceful La Sola Immanenza.

All in all, "T.R.E.S" is a remarkable album with plenty of beauty on it. Give the disc a chance.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com