UNO

I saw this recording on some Italian prog site where it was listed in the top 20 of all time so I decided to check it out. I kept reading how this is one of the earliest RPI albums, and I must admit when I see the word "Proto" anything i'm a little wary of getting it because i've been let down so many times before with such bands. Well lets just say that I can appreciate now why this is so highly respected. I just love the way this band sounds especially the heavier sections.

"La Paura" opens with these high pitched frequencies followed by wind-like sounds. It kicks in before a minute with vocals as the wind continues. Nice. A great heavy sound with organ is the result.The tempo picks up after 2 minutes. Killer track. "Un Re Senza Reame" opens with drums and organ with the vocals to follow. Some vocal melodies a minute later. Vocal melodies and a dark sound come in quickly on "Un Uomo", then it settles with vocals. I like the drum / organ section 2 1/2 minutes in and the guitar that follows. Vocals are back before 4 minutes.

"Scacco Al Re lot" is complex with lots of tempo changes. Great tune. "Il Vento, La Luna E Pulcini Blu" is the longest track at 10 minutes. Lots of harpsichord in this one. Check out the bass before 2 1/2 minutes. This song is an understated beauty. And the guitar 8 minutes in has the same tone as what we hear on OPETH's "Damnation" record. That was the first thing I thought of after hearing this section for the first time. "Waiting" opens in a similar way as the first track with those high pitched sounds shooting around. Banging sounds on this one too. It kicks in after a minute as we get a nice heavy sound with some fantastic guitar.

Easily 4 stars and an album that will get lots of play from yours truly.