GLOOMLAND

In 1991 drummer Bruno Mega decided to part ways with Acidente and he was replaced by Mario Costa.Paulo Malaria took his new formation to the 806 Digital Studios in Rio De Janeiro in October 92' and in November of the following year all the work related to the new studio album ''Gloomland'' had been done.The album was originally released in about 500 copies on Malaria's own Stolen Records label.

No prog epics or supernatural arrangements, Acidente continue to develop short and efficient compositions with a deep sense of melody and atmosphere, coming close to the style of compatriots DOGMA, Ken Senior's EVOLUTION or even the premature efforts of some Italian bands like SITHONIA or IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE (minus the violin).The marching and smooth guitar parts are reminiscent of CAMEL and the album contains a good mixture of synthesizers and organs to combine old and recent days of the prog world.The music is mainly instrumental, swirling mostly around Symphonic Rock and Neo Prog, featuring also some great piano tunes and groovy rhythms, not to mention the rural, Brazilian influences during the limited but always charming acoustic textures.Three quarters of the hour since the kick off of this release the listener will be sunk into a sea of majestic melodies and optimistic moods with some retro blinks and satisfying, lush arrangements with symphonic and melodic orientations.Last fifteen minutes are not that good I am afraid.The vocal tracks are rather cheap, both lyrically and musically, with a pretty commercial sound with AOR leanings, while the attempts of the group on some bluesy numbers are questionable.Fortunately the bulk of the compositions is rewarding, always well-crafted and detailed without excessive workouts and full respect for the 70's.

Mostly instrumental and highly melodicProg Rock.Forget about the vocal pieces, every band deserves some room for mediocre compositions, but most part of ''Gloomland'' is fine Progressive Rock with memorable tunes and an elaborate sound.Recommended.