MERCURY AND SUFURUS

Unfortunately only 400 copies made in the year 2000. To me it happens to be one of the most original new prog works of recent times, since a variety of styles (my favorites) are widley represented; italian folk with a thorough mediterranean touch, powerful vocal lines and lyrical refrains, as well as a touch of anglo-celtic folk ('reminds some old good fairport convention 'too), all combined with analog synths and logical progressions in 9/8 which might sound a bit like à la tarkus throbbed and echoed, astounding in that context, and unprecedented. I found this little gem (bought it in sweet on line auction mode), and although the audio quality ain't smoothy at all, really enjoyed it and worn it out. Check it out! (if ya able to find it!)

Italian band Yleclipse from Cagliari started in 1998 as Eclisse, led by the founding members guitarist/bassist Alessio Guerriero and drummer Roberto Diomedi.They were soon joined by keyboardist Andrea Picciau and recorded their debut ''Mercury and Sulfurus'', released in August 2000 on Arcontes label.The trio was helped by several session musicians on a few tracks, including bass, violin, keyboard and choir performances.

A very mature debut,swirling from MARILLION-esque Neo Prog to modern Italian Symphonic Rock, ''Mercury and Sulfurus'' shows a band already musically grown and offering a number of brilliant and harmonic compositions.Warm vocal lines, elegant guitar delivery, sometimes with a sharp edge and splendid keyboard work along with a fair amount of prog breaks and shifting climates guarantee every time a pleasant listening experience.But the biggest advantage of Eclisse is their ability to create a great number of wonderful melodies in every track, either regarding a nice guitar solo or an excellent keyboard performance, making them worth comparison against the biggest names of the Neo/Symphonic Prog league.Most of the tracks are sung in English, having however evident Classical influences at moments close to the 70's Italian acts, often supported by semi-theatrical vocals and reminding a cross between MARILLION and ELEGANT SIMPLICITY.Four out of the twelve compositions though are sung in the native language and comparisons with the likes of SITHONIA, ATON'S or ERIS PLUVIA are evident.The more obvious flaw comes from the production department, which is rather mediocre, reminding of a band recording in late-80's than a group of musicians facing the new millenium.But the great musicianship is there to overcome this disadvantage.

A fantastic debut, which is pretty unknown and definitely deserves a reissue.Highly recommended to all fans of Melodic/Classic/Neo/Symphonic Prog with a special reference to followers of the aforementioned bands.