FRONTIERA

Frontiera, the first on of only two albums from Procession is perhaps not quite as widely regarded amongst RPI fans as the mellower Fiaba, but to my ears is its equal and the more exciting of the two.

Released in 1972 Frontiera is a guitar driven album alternating between acoustic restraint and bombastic heavy rock. In Gianfranco Gaza they have a vocalist perfectly suited to the more histrionic approach of heavy rock singers and the band consisting to a large extent of guitars, bass and drums with a bit of mandolin, mellotron and the obligatory flute turn in a fine performance moving between the light and shade and heavier moments with conviction and ease. A strong record throughout includes some special moments like the mandolin driven Incontra, Anche Lo Sono Un Uomo coloured with some lovely mellotron work and they're at their most powerful on Un Mondo Di Liberta. It's a stunning heavy rock/proto-metal tour de force for the first three minutes with a riff Metallica would be proud of. The second half enters into acoustic mode and this contrasting piece is the highlight of the album. One of the riffs from this piece returns briefly for Un'ombra Chevaga before closing with a beautiful acoustic section. This is bookended by Solo and Solo 2 and there's a feel of continuity for the second half of the album even though they're individual tracks.

Frontiera is an album of contrasts that will most likely appeal not only to RPI fans but has a lot to offer heavy rock lovers too. Highly recommended.