APHELION

Italy is known for almost half a century as one of the most prolific countries in the world when coming about progressive rock music. Aphelion is part of the new generations of progressive jazz fusion/metal bands with talented musicians and inspired arrangements. The debut so far of this little known band is from 2008 named Franticode. The band plays top notch instrumental prog/fusion metal of the highest calibre. The head of the band the great keybordist Alessandro Bertoni (who just released this year 2013 his first new solo album Keystone) done a great job, he is responsable of the overall arrangements and above all has some very tastfuly keybords parts. The musicians playing with an amazing ease, lots of tempo changes, keyboards flowing all over the album, the guitarist is very sure of his instrument, groovy fusion elements added in their prog metal sound unexpected turns from mellow parts to more up tempo in a nice but complicated manner, what else a great record for sure, at least for me. All pieces are excellent, great atmosphere and inventive arrangements from this little known band from Italy. Definetly fans of Planet X, LTE, etc must check this one out, worth every second, very important is that even entirely instrumental, not a boring second is present here, the listner is conect to the music from first to last tune. Easy 4 stars.

Instrumental progressive metal is a genre offering more variety to it's listeners than one might surmise, and Italian band Aphelion presents a strong example of one take on this genre on this initial effort of theirs.

Mixed by a certain Derek Sherinian, we're treated to a beautiful album from a technical point of view. The sound is excellent throughout, and "Franticode" is a shining example of just how good an album can sound if handled by the right people.

Musically we're served 7 compositions, quirky and shifting constructions with a plethora of details and nuances to get familiar with. The opening three numbers are pretty distinct jazz-tinged numbers, with the bass most central in adding jazzy elements to the quirky progressive metal soundscapes. The last four numbers have more of a space-tinged atmosphere to them, and while the nods towards jazzrock and fusion are still present they do take more of a back seat on these excursions.

While arguably not a true classic this is a strong effort, and those looking for a good example of brilliantly produced, quirky instrumental progressive metal should seek out this production.

What we have here? A superb and exciting blend of metal and jazz with so instriguing and unespected variations, in the purest prog vein. Musicianship is very tight and fluent, arrengements are even very intricate but never boring. Aggressiveness is excellently balanced within rationality. Joy for ears and heart.

APHELION is an all instrumental italian project formed on 2004 by Alessandro (keyboards), Sebastiano (bass), Matteo (guitars). After the recording of a previous two tracks demo CD during 2006 the band signed for the Italian label Lizard Records and a new drummer , Enrico Pintonello, joined.

On late 2007 the band recorded a 7 tracks full length album "Franticode" that came out on june 2008, at the Majestic Studio (Venice , Italy) and mixed by a keyboard-glory, a certain Derek Sherinian (Planet X, Billy Idol, Dream Theater) in his own studio in Los Angeles.

The new italian band Aphelion provides us a stunning debut. Few debut albums in the history of prog rock have sounded so convincing and well produced.

I vividly recommend Franticode and suggest to take a look to the band's myspace page for samples.