TRAILS OF AMBERGRIS

After ''Opus'' Yleclipse had to face the departure of original drummer Roberto Diomedi, while keyboardist Andrea Picciau decided to relocate in Milano.The band even flirted with dissolution, but with a good organized program they started the recordings of a new album in Cagliari, now featuring new member Federico Bacco behind the drum kit.With the support of Mellow Records, now renamed to The Yleclipse, the talented Italian quartet returned in 2008 with ''Trails of Ambergris'', an album dealing with the failed attempt by the French Navy to capture Sardinia at the fall of the 18th century.

Despite the problems aforementioned, The Yleclipse managed to come up with some great Neo/Symphonic Prog material once again.All tracks are nicely developed with great melodic parts, haunting symphonic keyboards, dramatic atmospheres and sharp guitar solos, using the theatrical side of MARILLION along with the symphonic tradition of Italian Prog as performed by bands such as PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI, IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE or SITHONIA.The album contains numerous changes between tempos and atmospheres, forwarding the melodic side of Neo Prog and the atmospheric Symphonic Rock arrangements.Another memorable performance delivered by Alessio Guerriero on vocals, who's voice recalls FISH at its best.The sound overall ranges from powerful and very rich themes with full-blown prog workouts to MARILLION-eque deeply atmospheric instrumental soundscapes to Classical-inspired keyboard interludes with lots of harmonic passages.

Another winner by this great Italian group.Not as good as the previous album, but definitely well-performed and quite passionate Progressive Rock.Strongly recommended to all fans of Italian Prog, Neo Prog and Symphonic Rock...3.5 stars.