THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER - CHAPTER ONE

Excellent new album from Fabio Zuffanti. What we find here is the recycling of a couple of older versions of Rime of an Ancient Mariner.

Part One here is a reworking of a track of the same name from Finisterre Project's album entitled 'Hostsonaten' and Part Two is a reworking of of a track with the same name from Hostsonaten's 'Mirrorgames' album.

Parts Three and Four - as well as the Prologue - are all original tracks from what I can gather although they all refer back to common themes and variations on those themes, reflected in Parts One and Two. The arrangements here have far more depth than previous versions and the mellotron work is particularly worthy of note. It is incredibly lush and sends shivers down the spine. The music is extremely melodic and relaxing to listen to and the mixture of male and female vocals, as well as long instrumental passages, mean there is something for all lovers of melodic prog rock here. The music really is beautiful.

Five stars - without a doubt.