ZARATHUSTRA

While Italian prog has won my heart in a big way I have noticed something. It seems that some of the most acclaimed titles are not my favorite ones. My only theory is that some of these bands like Museo Rosenbach and New Trolls seem more influenced by English groups (notably Purple and Tull). I find that far less appealing than the small bands that perhaps had little travel outside of Italy and therefore have a more pure, local/regional sound. "Zarathustra" is certainly a respectable album made by talented folks, especially the drummer Giancarlo Golzi. The album consists largely of heavy organ-driven rock. It's a loud, heavy, Ritchie Blackmore/Jon Lord lovefest with obligatory mellotron here and there. It mostly is satisfied with rocking out and doesn't provide the unique flavor of albums/bands like Metamorfosi, Balletto, Semiramis, or Cervello.just to name a few of the better heavy albums. "Della Natura" is definitely the one that did work for me here, with some awesome nuanced playing and the cool chorus part. The relatively poor sound on the BMG cd probably doesn't help matters much; the quiet parts are very hard to hear without turning up to the point where the loud parts will blow the windows out. The vocalist is pretty good with a rough edge without being as annoying as the Trolls vocals. Zarathustra is a good album, just not a masterpiece in my opinion, but I'm in the minority.