YLECLIPSE

I was quite taken with Yleclipse's latest album, Songs From the Crackling Atanor, which I found a rare example of a Genesis soundalike band really nailing the distinctively romantic medieval atmosphere of Trespass. However, on Opus they were still honing their skills, and whilst they were able to put together a decent Genesis-mimicing sound at the same time it still doesn't quite feel satisfying - the atmosphere's a little off, the songwriting is a little obvious, and it doesn't quite have the spark that Yleclipse would eventually invest their music with. Definitely check out the group's later albums before passing judgement on them, because despite the title, this ain't their magnum opus.

Some purveyors of Genesis-esque neo-prog get the hump if you insinuate that there's a whiff of Dungeons & Dragons fantasy about their music - Marillion even in the early phases of the Fish era took great umbrage at being dismissed as music about goblins solely on the basis of Grendel, for instance. Somehow, however, I don't think Yleclipse mind those perceptions so much - not when there's such a medieval atmosphere permeating their music, or when the cover art prominently shows a party of adventurers led by a wizard riding on the back of a dragon.

Proving adept at adapting the Genesis style, Yleclipse to my ears seem to tackle a "what if" - what if, after the medievalism of Trespass and the Victorian whimsy of Nursery Cryme, Genesis had gone back and made some sort of fusion of the two, leaning on Victorian-era romanticisation of the medieval period in order to attain an atmosphere with one foot in nostalgia and one foot in fantasy? They'd sound approximately like this, though probably with a somewhat more tasteful mix.

Another example that not every prog band to emerge from Italy follows the RPI template, Cagliari's Yleclipse follow the Neo Prog silver brick road, fashioning a style more in common with the likes of 80's Marillion and early Pendragon with pinch of Van der Graaf Generator and Pink Floyd thrown into the cauldron for good measure. With richly detailed fantasy lyrics, theatrical vocal delivery and a sound that seamlessly moves through delicate medieval acoustic subtlety to hard-rocking modern passages then back around again, the band perform and compose the music on their fifth album `Songs From the Cracking Atanor' with all the sophistication and technicality expected of Italian bands.

Although this was the first Yleclipse album I purchased, I was certainly well aware of them - you don't have exquisite fantasy art like Alessandra Murgia's work here adorning all your albums as a defining characteristic and not have it spoken about in Prog circles! Even the CD booklet is beautifully presented, like a lavish tome of fantasy poetry. If only this band would release their music on vinyl! Anyway, I learned very quickly that the band is considered something very special to its small but devoted fanbase, so I was excited to hear if the music matched the wonderful presentation. For the most part, with one small initial gripe aside that I soon got over, I've found them to be a very worthy and interesting band!

The main issue with the album for me personally are the somewhat inconsistent English vocals. Alessio Guerriero sometimes runs the very wordy lyrics together with a kind of mumbled slur, so a lot of the time I have terrible trouble understanding what he's saying (thank goodness for the lyrics provided!). There's occasional strained notes, and some harmonies go a bit astray with slightly cringe-worthy results. But when he slows down, and doesn't try to cram so much into a short space, things work a lot better, especially on the spoken word-type passages where he takes on an interesting Peter Hammill-type phrasing. Every now and then, like at the beginning of the fourth track, Alesso adopts a Fish-like snarl that also delivers, and the following track throws a little David Bowie into the mix too.

Listeners are pretty spoiled with the tasty instrumental that opens with album, `Convivium Mithrae'. A whimsical and impossibly pretty classical acoustic piece that blends soothing flute, Mellotron and gentle synths, this one comes closest to the warmth and classical flavour of the defining 70's Italian bands. I do think it sets the bar high right at the start, and it's probably why I was a bit disappointed once the vocals entered on the next track. But over the next few numbers, you'll find some supremely tasteful Neo Prog pieces all with several thrilling musical passages. While the opening vocal melody of `Dreams Are Foam' drifts a little close to Van der Graaf Generator's `A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers' (even more noticeable due to the Hammill influenced vocals mannerisms), listen out instead for the varied piano, loopy synths, and the perfectly drowsy slide guitar-like solo over organ worthy of Pink Floyd during the finale. `A Jinnee Be Freed' has a strong Marillion connection, not only do the vocals go for a angry spitting Fish-type approach, the guitars have the same harsh electric edge which the production reinforces with similarly cold 80's production.

Album highlight `Springtime Fiery Delirium' opens with a frantic and tense drive of joyous melodic guitar soloing and peppy synths over an uptempo drum-beat courtesy of Federico Bacco. This is the track where the vocals flow the best and flow perfectly with the music, sounding less awkward and much more confident. The extended guitar solo from Allessio that runs through the majority of the piece is beautifully executed, reaching for the skies yet also holding back to let the mysterious floating synths weave through as well. The upbeat and playful `Growling Warty Beast' offers plenty of dazzling synth showcase moments for player Andrea Picciau, oppressive and thick one second, reassuring the next. Despite album Closer `Nadir Voices' opening with a foot tapping beat, grooving bass from Andrea Iddas and oceans of warm Hammond organ, the majority of the piece is more emotional and introspective with a thoughtful and guitar solo, enveloping synths and heartfelt vocals. I have to say, one or two brief moments where Allessio's voice turns slightly twisted reminded me of Michael Schubert's warped vocals on the murky 1976 Kyrie Eleison album `Fountain Beyond The Sunrise'! I wouldn't be surprised if the band knows that Genesis-influenced album well. I love the final lyrics too - "I part, I must ascend in never ending light...so long, I wave goodbye."

The album greatly improves over repeated plays, and I urge listeners to persist with it and become more familiarized with the dense arrangements. I was initially very let down and quite vocal in my disappointment, but I'm glad I stuck with it. For me personally, the album especially soars more in the extended instrumental passages, although I did eventually come to enjoy Alessio's vocals more after persevering with the disc. If you also take that time, you'll discover an album that's lyrically vivid, instrumentally diverse and not merely lazily remaking the past vintage bands, even if they are something of a vague influence. Yleclipse bring their own unique ideas to their particular take of Neo Prog, and I look forward to hearing more of their work! Any suggestions on which album of theirs to go for next are very welcome!

Three and a half stars.

This is a very, very impressive neo-prog CD. It has that intangible quality that allows it to grow better and better with each listen. The musicianship throughout is amazing and I simply could not ask for more to feed my neo-prog habit. The ONLY negative I can report here is the mix is unfortunately lacking in the low end, giving the overall sound a harshness that detracts a bit from the immersion and costs a star in my book. Their subsequent release Songs from the Crackling Atanor corrects this problem completely and is equally as awesome as this one.

It's basically impossible to track down this band's recordings in the US but I was finally able to get ahold of Songs from the Crackling Atanor which was therefore my first experience with this fine Italian band. Subsequently I've also been able to purchase Trails of Ambergris from Mellow Records so have a bit more perspective for this review. That said, this is one fantastic neo-prog CD and band! This is what neo-prog is all about, with soaring keyboard textures and fills, bombastic guitar simply everywhere, highly competent vocal delivery and lyrics (in quite good English), all in an extremely melodic package. As good as this CD is, I didn't expect Trails of Ambergris to be as good but....it IS! In fact any neo-prog fan should consider both of these recordings as essential (sadly I can't get ahold of any their earlier stuff). The guitar work in particular is just gobsmacking. I would like Alessio Guerriero to play me guitar lullabies every night...his playing is prominent throughout the CD and never disappoints, in fact he outdoes himself on every song (there are no 'duds' to be found on either CD). The fifth star for me on this one is due to the mixing quality. Trails of Ambergris is decidedly lacking in low frequency punch, giving it a bit of a harsh sound overall but this one is mixed FAR better and sounds absolutely excellent, something quite essential for a neo-prog band with this much talent. If you're a fan of neo-prog you will rejoice over this one.

3.5, really. This is my second experience with this italian band. And Opus is quite different from their next release, Trails From Ambergris. This one shows the band still emulating a lot of early Marillion (something they would eventually shed away). So in the end is an interesting mix of 80`s neo prog (yes, with all that Genesis connection) with italian synphonic prog of the 70´s. The results are very intresting and kind of unusual. The only other italian band which plays something similar is The Watch. and, with apologies to ZowieZiggy, that group sounds to me too much like a Genesis copycat without the beautiful melodies of the original. Yleclipse may not be much of an original group, but they do have fine tunes to go along with their obvious fine musicanship (and influences!).

I have the impression the production here is actually a little better than On Trails From Anbergris, even if they still lack a modern, clean sound more suited for their elegant style. Ok, nothing that spoils the end result. It would be also better if they sing in italian instead of english, but again their choice of language does not harm the songs. And I really love the guitar/keyboards interplay, the melodic lines, the tasteful arrangements and the passionate vocals. The electric parts are definitly more on the neo prog style while the acoustic ones are leaning more towards the italian prog school. Highlight on this album is surely the longest track the Tale Of The Black Cloak, with its several mood and tempo swings. Fortunatly the rest of the CD is not too far behind. There are no fillers.

So in the end it was a bit hard to rate this album. it is very, very good indeed. I have no shame to say I love the early Marillion style to the core, as long as it is well done. And this band does it good indeed. Nothing to write home about it (unless, again, if you´re a fan of Fish´s former band), but very good at what they do. The inclusion of the italian prog influences give their sound here a distinctive flavour that makes them different from a pletora of early Marillion clones. Still, I feel I can´t give Opus the personal 4 star rating I´d like to. I think 3,5 stars is more fitting. Recommended to anyone who likes neo prog or good melodic prog in general.

Songs From the Crackling Atanor released in december 2012 is another very worthy album from this unfairly underrated band from Italy named Yleclipse. I have a soft spot for this band since they released Opus in 2006. This album from the excellent art work made by Alessandra Murgia (who done all the art works of previous albums) to the music this album is no less then an excellent journey into neo prog realm where everything is well balanced and performed. Again like on previous albums, here are long elaborated neo-prog pieces with exception opening instrumental track Convivium Mithrae. Keeping the flag high in this field Yleclipse manage to come with another excellent sincere reelease as an example of how must sound a neo prog album these days. I like a lot this new album, both instrumental passages as the voice aswell. Alessio Guerriero has an unique voice and fits perfectly into this type of music, and aswell here I can trace some Peter Hammill influences in some of his vocal lines, of course not a bad thing at all. Opening track Convivium Mithrae - stands as one of the highlights , is an 6 min instrumental piece, a combination of neo prog passages with a medieval, celtic atmosphere, very nice and original. Another very worthy tune is Gentle breeze and Dreams are foam, excellent song writting, top notch vocal lines and elegant guitar works, love it. The rest of the tracxks are also worthy for sure. Simply said this is another great work by the band, who still continue with perseverence to belive in their goal, to produce solid progressive rock for the eager listners ears. For me Yleaclipse is one of the best bands I've ever heared and the most unique aswell, and with thier fifth album - Songs from the Crackling Atanor they still are on the bariccades producing quality music. 4 stars easy, beside music the art work is magic , as one every Yleclipse album.

After ''Opus'' Yleclipse had to face the departure of original drummer Roberto Diomedi, while keyboardist Andrea Picciau decided to relocate in Milano.The band even flirted with dissolution, but with a good organized program they started the recordings of a new album in Cagliari, now featuring new member Federico Bacco behind the drum kit.With the support of Mellow Records, now renamed to The Yleclipse, the talented Italian quartet returned in 2008 with ''Trails of Ambergris'', an album dealing with the failed attempt by the French Navy to capture Sardinia at the fall of the 18th century.

Despite the problems aforementioned, The Yleclipse managed to come up with some great Neo/Symphonic Prog material once again.All tracks are nicely developed with great melodic parts, haunting symphonic keyboards, dramatic atmospheres and sharp guitar solos, using the theatrical side of MARILLION along with the symphonic tradition of Italian Prog as performed by bands such as PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI, IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE or SITHONIA.The album contains numerous changes between tempos and atmospheres, forwarding the melodic side of Neo Prog and the atmospheric Symphonic Rock arrangements.Another memorable performance delivered by Alessio Guerriero on vocals, who's voice recalls FISH at its best.The sound overall ranges from powerful and very rich themes with full-blown prog workouts to MARILLION-eque deeply atmospheric instrumental soundscapes to Classical-inspired keyboard interludes with lots of harmonic passages.

Another winner by this great Italian group.Not as good as the previous album, but definitely well-performed and quite passionate Progressive Rock.Strongly recommended to all fans of Italian Prog, Neo Prog and Symphonic Rock...3.5 stars.

There are always bands and albums that give you the feeling of "love on first sight (listening)" simply because they match with your taste 100%. Those cases in which you don't have to listen at least 5 times to make up your mind what you think of them. But they're simple there, the real deal for you as if they were especially made for you. And here we have an example of that. Yleclipse latest from 2008 is the real deal for me.

And the explanation is simple: long extended instrumental (mainly guitar) solos that seem to go on and on and in flawless style and execution. The title track is a great example of what I mean but so are in fact all (5) long tracks. Yleclipse simple have the right formula for my preference.

So an obvious 5 star case you would think but alas not. The vocals spoil some of the fun for me and have to prevent me to give the highest score. But it's close, 4.5 is the least it deserves but I will have to round down here. An average of 3.4 and 11 ratings in total so far is a way too low score in both respects. So at least I can do my part here in giving this release a bit of a boost. And what's most important: it's so well deserved. Extremely recommended for neofans who dig the long guitarsolos that simply never grow dull in this case. So go for it and check it out at least !

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.