THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER - CHAPTER ONE

''Summerve'' was instantly followed by another album by Zuffanti's Hostsonaten, ''The rime of the ancient mariner: Chapter one'', infuenced by the everinspiring poem of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, so many Rock/Rock-related artists have used this as an influential background to their music.Main team remains the same as on the previous release, only seeing the return of Edmondo Romano on wind instruments.Vocals are delivered by five different guests, Alessandro Corvaglia of La Maschera di Cera, Carlo Carnevali, a constant collaborator of Zuffanti in several of his projects, Simona Angilioni of Aries and some new blood on Davide Merletto and Marco Dogliotti.Released on BTF in 2012.

Performed as a Symphonic Rock Opera with different vocalists and divided in five lengthy movements, ''The rime of the ancient mariner: Chapter one'' sees the ultimate return of Hostsonaten in the band's very early years.On a personal note and after listening to so many albums by the band, I finally have detected a relation between the use or not of diaeresis in the band's name, the presence of diaeresis showcase a strong link with a more Classic Prog sound compared to the more versatile albums by the band, it has something to do with this, no doubt.Musically this is one of the best offerings by the Italians, a magnificent piece of art with modern and vintage influences in a Classic Prog Rock vein, featuring the related sea/seashore sounds and offering incredible musicianship throughout.The best definition of Symphonic Rock this is, filled with thematic variations and instrumental majesty, led primarly by the quirky synth lines and the dominant use of Mellotron, accompanied by beautiful sax injections, Classical-drenched violin and delicate flute work, the one that provides the discreet folky colors in here.Piano work is along the lines of Classical Music and guitars are excellent to say the least, Matteo Nahum offers incredible solos and dramatic riffs all the way.Influences come from both the Italian Prog scene as well as Classic Prog masters like KING CRIMSON and CAMEL, but the lyrics are all sung in English by the superb vocal team of the album.No particular highlights, I think that every piece has its own charm, everything is well-played and the interplays, grandiose orchestrations, bucolic soundscapes and rockin' grooves come and go all the time.

The best Hostsonaten offering thus far?Propably yes.A dramatic interpretation of ''The rime of the ancient mariner'' with a nice lyrical background and excellent instrumental ideas, performed in a long symphonic suite.You have to lay your hands on this beauty...4.5 stars.