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Malve87 View Drop Down
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Points: 252 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 14 2007 at 11:18
SEMIRAMIS

Dedicato a Frazz

1973

Studio Album


Review by Malve87
Posted 8:08:51 AM EST, 9/12/2007

5%20stars This album is one of the finest italian prog experience you can have, really... The only album released by Semiramis features very emotional vocal parts, great keyboards work, not to mention ocasionally Crimson- influenced guitar riffs ready to blow you away, for instance on "Uno zoo di vetro" and "Luna Park". "Dedicato a Frazz" is a concept album about the life of a clown, working in a circus, and about his struggle to survive in a suble society. The points of strenght of this work are the beautifully arranged pieces of music contained in it: the beautiful opening "La bottega del rigattiere", the Genesis influenced "Uno zoo di vetro" and "Dietro una porta di carta", in addition the constant mood and atmospheres alternations reminds Van Der Graaf Generator's "Pawn Hearts" album so strongly . Thanks to the talent of Semiramis, the entire album is a very evocative work, just like in the tradition of great progressive music. Definitely a brilliant work, to me it's very close to be a masterpiece, since in a way it defines the peculiar way of making music as far as it concerns Italian progressive. Extremely recommended. 4.5 Stars, since this rating is not available I really cannot consider the 4 stars option, it would be really unfair for such a great work.
Such a great albumClapClapClap

Edited by Malve87 - September 14 2007 at 11:22
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Points: 5851 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 14 2007 at 11:44
Originally posted by Malve87 Malve87 wrote:

SEMIRAMIS

Dedicato a Frazz

1973

Studio Album


Review by Malve87
Posted 8:08:51 AM EST, 9/12/2007

5%20stars This album is one of the finest italian prog experience you can have, really... The only album released by Semiramis features very emotional vocal parts, great keyboards work, not to mention ocasionally Crimson- influenced guitar riffs ready to blow you away, for instance on "Uno zoo di vetro" and "Luna Park". "Dedicato a Frazz" is a concept album about the life of a clown, working in a circus, and about his struggle to survive in a suble society. The points of strenght of this work are the beautifully arranged pieces of music contained in it: the beautiful opening "La bottega del rigattiere", the Genesis influenced "Uno zoo di vetro" and "Dietro una porta di carta", in addition the constant mood and atmospheres alternations reminds Van Der Graaf Generator's "Pawn Hearts" album so strongly . Thanks to the talent of Semiramis, the entire album is a very evocative work, just like in the tradition of great progressive music. Definitely a brilliant work, to me it's very close to be a masterpiece, since in a way it defines the peculiar way of making music as far as it concerns Italian progressive. Extremely recommended. 4.5 Stars, since this rating is not available I really cannot consider the 4 stars option, it would be really unfair for such a great work.

Such a great albumClapClapClap


Yes but only in LP format. In CD format this album loses all the power and the glamour!!! 

Believe me: I litened to LP format in "Red Moon Records" and buy a CD in a successive visit to "red moon Records". But LP format wins... Sure wins!!!


Edited by Mandrakeroot - September 14 2007 at 11:44
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Raff View Drop Down
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Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 14 2007 at 15:24
I already posted that in the Osage Tribe thread, but this is the best place for this...

Here's the link to Ubi Maior keyboardist Gabriele Manzini's (formerly with The Watch) blog about his solo project "Akallabeth", inspired by an episode in Tolkien's "The Silmarillion":

http://akallabeth.splinder.com/

Unfortunately the blog is only in Italian, but as you can see there is a final list of song titles, and the album will be released at the end of this year. I think it will be an interesting project, even if probably more on the prog-metal side of things.
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Points: 8602 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2007 at 00:38
Originally posted by jimmy_row jimmy_row wrote:

Originally posted by Tapfret Tapfret wrote:

Originally posted by jimmy_row jimmy_row wrote:

Originally posted by Tapfret Tapfret wrote:

My new albums arrived last week. My initial feelings are:
 
Maxophone: Thumbs%20UpLove it. Great mix of 70's sounds. Going to need a few more listens to really rate it, its certainly 3.5 stars or greater.
 
The Watch - Primitive: Thumbs%20Down I don't mind when a band plays Genesis style music. But the straight forward PG clone that is signing really annoys to the point where I probably won't listen to this album too much more. I want my Italian singers singing in Italian!  2 stars if I'm in a good mood.
 
So, based on the above disappointment, I listened to some clips and went shopping
These should arrive next week:
 
Alphataurus - Alphataurus
Le Orme - Uomo Di Pezza
Museo Rosenbach - Zarathustra
Murple - Io Sono Murple
Corte Dei Miracoli - Corte Dei Miracoli
 
One that I want that I was only able to find used (Dead) was Buon Vecchio Charlie. Does anyone no of a source for a new copy? 
Excellent choices, these are all top notch RPI albums...I still haven't heard Zarathustra though, but opinions range from 3.5 to 5 stars in most places; you'll like all of these for sure if you enjoyed Maxophone.
 
Buon Vecchio Charlie:
 
US $16....the best prog service you will find bar none.
 
Smile
 
Thanks for the link. Pretty vast inventory.
I get the feeling you'll end up purchasing more than just Buon Vecchio CharlieLOL
 
 
 
This is what I bought from him.
 
Buon Vecchio Charlie - Buon Vecchio Charlie
Semiramis - Dedicato a Frazz
 
And from Japan...Bondage Fruit - Skin
I've bee trying to find it here for years.
 
Not the most up to date web setup, but he makes up for it in customer service.
 
8 albums coming, and a few recent arrivals I still have not fully absorbed. I think I'll be musically sated for awhile.

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Points: 17190 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 11:21
Originally posted by micky micky wrote:

funny damn thing...   was looking through the italianprog website.. for probably the thousandth time and never noticed this link.

http://www.prog70.com/

funny how he had the Hero album listed so highly....I remember adding them for sake of completeness but though the album grew on me (didn't think much of it on first listens) I still don't think it was 'all that'.  Anyone have that album...and like it?... love it?

http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=14233
 
 
Micky, I just noticed this message.   YES, I love the Hero album.  It's dark but a real grower and very different from other stuff. 
...that moment you realize you like "Mob Rules" better than "Heaven and Hell"
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Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 11:23
I've listened to the Hero album several times while enjoying the company of my favourite American Heart, and I've found it to be musically very enjoyable. However, the English vocals detract somewhat from the overall effect, as the Italian accent of the singer is really way too strong IMHO.
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Malve87 View Drop Down
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Points: 252 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 11:32
Originally posted by jimmy_row jimmy_row wrote:

Originally posted by Tapfret Tapfret wrote:

My new albums arrived last week. My initial feelings are:
 
Maxophone: Thumbs%20UpLove it. Great mix of 70's sounds. Going to need a few more listens to really rate it, its certainly 3.5 stars or greater.
 
The Watch - Primitive: Thumbs%20Down I don't mind when a band plays Genesis style music. But the straight forward PG clone that is signing really annoys to the point where I probably won't listen to this album too much more. I want my Italian singers singing in Italian!  2 stars if I'm in a good mood.
 
So, based on the above disappointment, I listened to some clips and went shopping
These should arrive next week:
 
Alphataurus - Alphataurus
Le Orme - Uomo Di Pezza
Museo Rosenbach - Zarathustra
Murple - Io Sono Murple
Corte Dei Miracoli - Corte Dei Miracoli
 
One that I want that I was only able to find used (Dead) was Buon Vecchio Charlie. Does anyone no of a source for a new copy? 
Excellent choices, these are all top notch RPI albums...I still haven't heard Zarathustra though, but opinions range from 3.5 to 5 stars in most places; you'll like all of these for sure if you enjoyed Maxophone.
 
Buon Vecchio Charlie:
 
US $16....the best prog service you will find bar none.
 
Smile
As you can see from my signature I really like Zarathustra, it's a very good album!Clap
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Points: 2601 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 17:45
^^^nice sig, I can't wait to get both of those albums....the type of albums I always hear people raving about but havien't got around to buying yet.
 
 
I've finally given this one a quality listen:
 
 
I have a very good initial impression of this album....it's sort of a hybrid between heavy rock and metal guitar work and more traditional Italian symphonic textures, and the result is very original, retaining an organic sound - a breath of fresh air with all the glossy synths and cheesy guitar effects these days.  The main points of reference seem to be Ange and Biglietto per L'Inferno, especially in the vocals: very dramatic with a natural flair for melody.  There are many sections of rising tension with thick, heavy guitar riffs...but before they have a chance to become stale, the pace slows down and there are many nice acoustic parts...pleasing my appetite for folky medditeranean melodies.
 
Good stuff, Highly RecommendedThumbs%20Up
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micky View Drop Down
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Points: 46838 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 17:51
Originally posted by jimmy_row jimmy_row wrote:

^^^nice sig, I can't wait to get both of those albums....the type of albums I always hear people raving about but havien't got around to buying yet.
 
 
I've finally given this one a quality listen:
 
 
I have a very good initial impression of this album....it's sort of a hybrid between heavy rock and metal guitar work and more traditional Italian symphonic textures, and the result is very original, retaining an organic sound - a breath of fresh air with all the glossy synths and cheesy guitar effects these days.  The main points of reference seem to be Ange and Biglietto per L'Inferno, especially in the vocals: very dramatic with a natural flair for melody.  There are many sections of rising tension with thick, heavy guitar riffs...but before they have a chance to become stale, the pace slows down and there are many nice acoustic parts...pleasing my appetite for folky medditeranean melodies.
 
Good stuff, Highly RecommendedThumbs%20Up


first off... get those damn albums AngryLOL  You'll LOVE them.Wink

glad you liked it Jimmy....  Ubi Maior grabbed me from the first listen.  I am now known to the group and their number one fan here in the states LOL
The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Points: 2601 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 18:09
LOLwell their fanbase in the states just doubled...now I'm really looking forward to LuxAde and Finisterre, up next on my list.  But hey, go easy on me here, I'll get to Zarathustra...eventually, uhm, and now I'll admit that I don't have the renound Palepoli eitherShocked...or Banco's debut...or Locanda Della Fate....phew, I've got a lot of ground to cover, but that's the fun of it. 
 
btw, Micky, since you like Ubi Maior, I'll recommend a similar album:  Living Fossils by William Gray from Argentina.  I'm still waiting for my copy, it's always sold outAngry You can listen to samples on Myspace.  Erik really likes them, they come up a lot in his Lesser Known Bands thread.
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Points: 46838 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 19 2007 at 18:13
No




hahahah...  it is a great one..there are SO damn many of them. 

Thanks for the suggestion....  heading towards the MySpace page.
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Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 22 2007 at 02:52
Yesterday Ubi Maior's PM (who's also Gabriele Manzini's wife) joined the forum and posted this:

http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41900

As it was some time in the afternoon, when most people are doing something else, I suppose very few members but me saw it, so I thought  I would post it here.

Anyway, I found it funny that Gabriele's recorded under the name of Archangel... We just needed another one, since both Micky and I are archangels as well (and Sept 29 is our joint name day tooLOL...)
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Mandrakeroot View Drop Down
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Points: 5851 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 23 2007 at 12:56
Originally posted by Ghost Rider Ghost Rider wrote:

Yesterday Ubi Maior's PM (who's also Gabriele Manzini's wife) joined the forum and posted this:

http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=41900

As it was some time in the afternoon, when most people are doing something else, I suppose very few members but me saw it, so I thought  I would post it here.

Anyway, I found it funny that Gabriele's recorded under the name of Archangel... We just needed another one, since both Micky and I are archangels as well (and Sept 29 is our joint name day tooLOL...)


great!!!
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Points: 5851 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 23 2007 at 12:58
The recover (after 2 years) that coincides with the purchase of CD is the time for a great review:

LABŸRINTH

Return To Heaven Denied

(Studio Album, 1998)
http://img.verycd.com/posts/0607/post-307581-1153978522.jpg
Review by Mandrakeroot (Andrea Salvador)
Collaborator Italian Prog Specialist

5%20stars My review is produced using this release: Pick Up & Associates/ Metal Blade GmbH 394-14176-2

Rating: 10/10

With this album the Italian Heavy Metal is finally considered in other countries. Finally! Besides the musicians are all of the teachers in the respective instruments. Then I had the luck of to know Olaf Thoersen during and after a free Vision Divine concert in Moraro (Gorizia): great man and guitarplayer. Well... This isn't a Prog Metal album but one of the first 5 Speed Power Metal album of the story. All the drums are played by Frank Andiver, another great drummer (also with the Speed Prog Metaller Shadows Of Steel in that years) but the drums is only an addiction in this album because recorded in Zenith Studios in Lucca and the album was recorded in famous (for Metal) New Sin Studios in Loria (Treviso) that with this album (and others: Domine, Elvenking for examples) did the bang. Well, and the music? Great music. Because Rob Tyrant play with the voice in enormous manner, Olaf Toersen play the guitar in great manner (like usual for Olaf), Anders Rain is good, Chris Breeze is more than a bassplayer (see his work with Shadows Of Steel, music based in continuous soli... But in this work is simply great), Andrew Mc.Pauls plays the keyboards in great manner (even if here they have a marginal role, not like in Shadows Of Steel works where Andrews soli and rhythmic contributions... are simply torrid!!!) and the drummer is torrid (I speak of Frank... That for Andrea "Tower" Torricini, that work with Frank in Shadows Of Steel albums, is one of the 5 all time drummers). So the music is a great Dolomitic wall... Well a wall to climb... A northern K2 wall... The speed is like a TGV speed... The sensations are like a simply sex session... The listening is very gratifying. But in this album I've preferreds songs that I love from 1998. These songs are: "Moonlight" (my second Labyrinth hymn and a great Speed Metal song), "Lady Lost In Time" (emotional song), "Heaven Denied" (the more melodic song in this album, a sort of Power Metal first Asia version), and "Die For Freedom" (the song that I love in this album, pratically my preferred Power Metal song!!!).

Not Prog Metal but Speed Power Metal with Prog attitude "Return To Heaven Denied" is a perfect album. Finally I bought the CD (that replaced a copy MC), and I am proud to be decided to do myself it. Because "Return To Heaven Denied" is simply the start of New Wave Of Italian Heavy Metal!!!


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Points: 169 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 24 2007 at 12:48
Originally posted by Mandrakeroot Mandrakeroot wrote:

The recover (after 2 years) that coincides with the purchase of CD is the time for a great review:

LABŸRINTH

Return To Heaven Denied

(Studio Album, 1998)
http://img.verycd.com/posts/0607/post-307581-1153978522.jpg
Review by Mandrakeroot (Andrea Salvador)
Collaborator Italian Prog Specialist

5%20stars My review is produced using this release: Pick Up & Associates/ Metal Blade GmbH 394-14176-2

Rating: 10/10

With this album the Italian Heavy Metal is finally considered in other countries. Finally! Besides the musicians are all of the teachers in the respective instruments. Then I had the luck of to know Olaf Thoersen during and after a free Vision Divine concert in Moraro (Gorizia): great man and guitarplayer. Well... This isn't a Prog Metal album but one of the first 5 Speed Power Metal album of the story. All the drums are played by Frank Andiver, another great drummer (also with the Speed Prog Metaller Shadows Of Steel in that years) but the drums is only an addiction in this album because recorded in Zenith Studios in Lucca and the album was recorded in famous (for Metal) New Sin Studios in Loria (Treviso) that with this album (and others: Domine, Elvenking for examples) did the bang. Well, and the music? Great music. Because Rob Tyrant play with the voice in enormous manner, Olaf Toersen play the guitar in great manner (like usual for Olaf), Anders Rain is good, Chris Breeze is more than a bassplayer (see his work with Shadows Of Steel, music based in continuous soli... But in this work is simply great), Andrew Mc.Pauls plays the keyboards in great manner (even if here they have a marginal role, not like in Shadows Of Steel works where Andrews soli and rhythmic contributions... are simply torrid!!!) and the drummer is torrid (I speak of Frank... That for Andrea "Tower" Torricini, that work with Frank in Shadows Of Steel albums, is one of the 5 all time drummers). So the music is a great Dolomitic wall... Well a wall to climb... A northern K2 wall... The speed is like a TGV speed... The sensations are like a simply sex session... The listening is very gratifying. But in this album I've preferreds songs that I love from 1998. These songs are: "Moonlight" (my second Labyrinth hymn and a great Speed Metal song), "Lady Lost In Time" (emotional song), "Heaven Denied" (the more melodic song in this album, a sort of Power Metal first Asia version), and "Die For Freedom" (the song that I love in this album, pratically my preferred Power Metal song!!!).

Not Prog Metal but Speed Power Metal with Prog attitude "Return To Heaven Denied" is a perfect album. Finally I bought the CD (that replaced a copy MC), and I am proud to be decided to do myself it. Because "Return To Heaven Denied" is simply the start of New Wave Of Italian Heavy Metal!!!


 
Extreme good CD. Sure one of the best 90's albums!!!
When the love becomes poetry, distant from the eyes

(Quando l'Amore Diventa poesia/ Lontano Dagli occhi [Aphrodite's Child)
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Points: 4411 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2007 at 05:49
Canzoniere del Lazio has been added to prog folk!
 
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Points: 849 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 02 2007 at 13:18
Hi!

Actually, I'm really into PFM and I watched some of the live video of them that you can find on Google Video (Japan, 2002). Is there someone who could explain a little bit the line-up in this 2002 concert? Who are the original members?

Thanks/
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You can find 2002 line-up here: http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=7431:

- Franz Di Cioccio / vocals, drums, percussions
- Patrick Djivas / bass
- Franco Mussida / guitars, vocals
- Flavio Premoli / keyboards, vocals
- Lucio Fabbri (special guest) / violin, keyboards, guitar and backing vocals
- Piero Monteresi / drums.

Di Cioccio, Djivas, Mussida and Premoli are original members.
Lucio Fabri works with the band as a special guest since 1979.
 
Who are you and who am I to say we know the reason why... (D. Gilmour)
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Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 02 2007 at 14:53
Originally posted by NotAProghead NotAProghead wrote:

You can find 2002 line-up here: http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=7431:

- Franz Di Cioccio / vocals, drums, percussions
- Patrick Djivas / bass
- Franco Mussida / guitars, vocals
- Flavio Premoli / keyboards, vocals
- Lucio Fabbri (special guest) / violin, keyboards, guitar and backing vocals
- Piero Monteresi / drums.

Di Cioccio, Djivas, Mussida and Premoli are original members.
Lucio Fabri works with the band as a special guest since 1979.
 


Actually, Djivas joined the band later, after original bassist Giorgio Piazza left. Before he joined PFM, he used to play with Area. The other original member who's missing is obviously Mauro Pagani.
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Points: 849 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 02 2007 at 15:15
Thank you very much, it's quite the original line-up so. I'm thinking of buying the dvd, it seems really great!!
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