LE RADICI DEL MALE

L'ALBERO DEL VELENO are a six piece band out of Florence, Italy and this is their debut from 2013. They are soundtrack fans and clearly GOBLIN is their inspiration. I would suggest the debut here has more in common with GOBLIN's "Roller" album then their horror movie soundtracks like "Suspiria" for example.. Now we're getting closer to that darker style on their second release "Tale Of A Dark Fate" from 2017 which I consider a huge step up from this their debut.

Even the cover art and especially the liner notes are filled with the bright red colours contrasted with the black, like on those first four GOBLIN albums. So a six piece of the usual instruments plus viola and flute. And the flautist Marco Brenzini would also play on LE PORTE NON APERTE's "Golem" album also released in 2013. Busy boy. And I prefer that "Golem"album to this one.

The closest we get to anything remotely dark is the start of the closer which is the only track this band didn't compose. This was composed by Fabio Frizzi and I understand it combines more than one of his compositions. And really I don't think the word dark even applies to the mellotron driven start. More haunting, and reminding me of MORTE MACABRE. I'm surprised at how prominent the synths are on this record and it is all instrumental save for some vocal melodies on that closer which I like. The bass is upfront overall and I like the way the use the flute and viola.

Six tracks worth 37 minutes, so that over 12 minute closer which is my favourite takes up a good chunk of this album. If your a GOBLIN fan I would strongly suggest you check this band out.