IL VIAGGIO DI COLOMBO

It's not very common in my reviews, but I'll start at the end. The album Il Viaggio Di Colombo (2008) marks the return of the Italian Il Cerchio d'Oro and this release have included as a bonus the single released by the band in 1977. Are:

- Quattro Mura

Interesting and quiet melancholy ballad, led by the piano. An interessant track, but nothing more.

- Future Prossimo

The second track from the single shows the band introduced by the guitar and is also a ballad. I know that the Italian Progressive Rock has always been known to be melancholy, but these two tracks there is nothing special. Worth just for the historical record of the band.

Let the album itself begins, which is conceptual and tells the story of Columbus and his greatest discovery, America. According to Wikipedia - Christopher Columbus (Genoa 1437/1448 - Valladolid, May 20, 1506) was a navigator and explorer Europe, responsible for leading the fleet reached America on 12 October 1492, under the orders of the Catholic Kings Spain. Embarked on its journey across the Atlantic Ocean with the aim of reaching India, and in fact discovered the Caribbean islands (Antilles) and, later, the Gulf of Mexico in Central America.

01. Ouverture

Symphonic, as expected. The key command the open of the album. Columbus will finally go after new lands.

02. Sognando La Meta

The band has a young air and the guitar of Roberto Giordana and Giuseppe Terrible bass are good highlights. At the moment the voice appears as a accompany to the guitar and you cannot say for sure who is the voice as Gino Terrible (drums), Giuseppe Terrible (bass) and Piuccio Sparrow (guitar) are credited in the booklet as singers, however, I believe that the voice's come from Piuccio, but all sing, which makes vocals very interesting.

03. Colombo

The first part of the voyage of Columbus begins. Nice introduction with the Giuseppe bass, he uses a good tone by the way, I am not surprised when I see a picture of he with a Rickenbacker in the CD booklet, which by the way, is beautiful, the Black Widow is to be congratulated, their digipacks are beautiful. I would enjoy and thank you for the partnership with my website (www.progshine.com). Enjoy and visit the Italian label (www.blackwidow.it).

04. I Tre Marinai

In a moment of rest the boat port and on board, comes 3 sailors and an acoustic guitar. Interesting way to put a point of view within a story, the 3 sailors tell their life stories. But I must admit that the sound of drums from Gino bothers me. The central riff of the song is great, weather and gloomy. I liked the final whistle too.

05. Ieri, Ogni, Ancora Niente

After a month of travel, illness and disappointment began to corrupt the crew. The introduction in authentic style of Gentle Giant, it's only vocal, and it is fantastic! Long time didn't hear something in that style, since the great Spock's Beard. After the 1st verse of the song a bass line full of rithym invades the speakers and it is the basis for the keyboard and guitar solos. And the Italian language still beautiful in the prog.

06. Il Silenzio Del Mare Rumoroso

A broken rhythm is the basis for Colombo whines. His verses are sad, as if there is no more hope in their journey. In the second half of the song everything stops and only the atmosphere of loneliness is heard, the band knew how to capture very well the history in this section. Then come back the original melody, but this time in choir, very good.

07. Preghiera Al Vento

Colombo, exhausted, recourse to God, praying to the wind so that it fills the sails of the boat and he could fly over the sea. A acoustic ballad. I thought the guitars, though well placed, were deleted 'in the final mix of the song.

08. Tre Giorni (L'Ammutinamento)

Not having found anything yet on your trip, the sailors come to the limit and the riot is about to happen. Columbus then asks for 3 days and then the crew would return home if nothing happened, Columbus then wins those 3 days.

09. Tierra! Tierra!

In the last day of the journey of Columbus, they found new lands. The second part of the music is interesting, but the guitar is weak, despite the good end of the riff the sound lack of personality.

10. Surrounding l'Approdo

Good keyboard work, Piccolini Franco did a great job in this song, and this time the guitar of Roberto sounds nice.

11. Conclusione (Il Ritorno)

Columbus got what he wanted. However, at the time of return the questions stay on his head, what will happen in the future? Good closing track where the short lyric is repeated to infinity. And so ends Il Viaggio Di Colombo.

This is the 'first' album of Italian Il Cerchio d'Oro since his return and is welcome, the compositions are great and the album is cohesive, but one thing bothered me, the sounds of the instruments. Except for the low all other instruments had weak moments as well, some sounds were erroneously selected by the musicians. But it can be easily improved live and also the next record. But one thing should be strengthened, the digipack is beautiful, congratulations to the Black Widow and the band.