1998 - LA STORIA DI SABAZIO

This album, 1998: La Storia di Sabazio, is a hidden gem from the Italian progressive rock scene of 1973. Released during a time of political upheaval in Italy?where fascist and communist tensions, student riots, and rampant corruption created a backdrop of chaos?Triade's music offers a rare escape from this turmoil.

Rather than addressing the political unrest directly, 1998: La Storia di Sabazio takes a different approach. It's not a protest record but rather an introspective journey, almost mystical in its composition. The concept of Sabazio might be abstract, but the true essence of the album lies in its evocative music. Vincenzo Cenci's keyboards are central, blending classical influences with rock in a way that feels more like a dream than a manifesto. The album draws you into its own world, where the external chaos seems to recede.

Tracks like Sabazio and Caro Fratello exude a melancholic beauty, offering a sense of peace amidst the surrounding unrest. Il Circo, with its shifting moods, mirrors the disorder of the times but retains a controlled, lyrical quality.

Although some might dismiss Triade as just another Italian clone of ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), this view misses the mark. While they share some classical and keyboard elements with ELP, Triade's sound delves into darker, more obscure territory. It's the minor, shadowy notes that define them, offering a depth and introspection that contrasts with ELP's more grandiose style.

In the context of the Italian prog scene, Triade stands out not for its overt rebellion but for its delicate, almost cinematic compositions. Their production is raw and authentic, reflecting the era's spirit and making the music feel immediate and alive.

Triade's story is a classic case of the "one-album wonder." They released just this one record before vanishing from the scene. It's a phenomenon in music history?where bands create a single, powerful snapshot of their sound and then disappear. This unique aspect of their story adds to the album's allure, making it a fascinating subject of study.

Adding to the album's mystique is the fact that Triade opened for legends like PFM and Le Orme . Imagine the scene: Triade, with their lone album, sharing the stage with two titans of Italian progressive rock. PFM's sophisticated Italian-British blend, Le Orme's maybe the most recognizable prog act in Italy , and Triade managed to hold their own in this prestigious company.

Listening to 1998: La Storia di Sabazio today is like unearthing a time capsule. It captures the essence of a turbulent era while offering a profound, introspective escape. Despite their brief career, this album stands as a quiet, compelling statement amidst a chaotic period.

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