LE PORTE DEL DOMANI

Le Porte Del Domani is the fifth album from Italian symphonic proggers La Maschera Di Cera and it's one that sure to raise an eyebrow or two amongst the RPI loving community. Not on a musical level but because they've took the brave or foolhardy step, depending on your point of view, of writing a follow up to Le Orme's classic Felona E Sorona. The band have made the point that Le Orme never finished the story and so presumably with Le Orme's blessing have decided to do so themselves. Like Le Orme they've chosen to release it in Italian and English vocal version's and I believe there's one or two minor musical differences between the two though I haven't compared them, this review being based on the Italian version. Some may feel it's a bit of cheek to do the follow up to such a classic but I have to say they've pulled it off with considerable aplomb.

On a musical level despite a solid 21st century production they've clearly gone for a sound that's in keeping with the original and made it keyboard heavy, the electric guitar that became more prevalent in their sound on 2010's Petali Di Fuoco taking a back seat for the most part. They've even nicked little segment's here and there from the original Felona E Sorona with key changes to fit them into their own composition's and some tracks though not a copy have clearly been influenced by it with nods to Le Orme. There's enough of their own identity to not make it plagiaristic - it's clear any similarities are deliberate and this is clearly La Maschera Di Cera we're listening to. Anyone familiar with any of Fabio Zuffanti's projects will know exactly what to expect here - Sophisticated and lush symphonic prog that while not groudbreaking or particularly adventurous, makes up for with strong melodies and powerful instrumental work. I know there are those out there who feel that Zuffanti's album's are a bit too slick for their own good, lacking the wilder element's shared by many of the classic seventies RPI bands. Il Balletto Di Bronzo this is clearly not. However on this occasion it perhaps works in their favour, Le Orme being one of the safer exports of Italian prog.

Overall then a nice album, expertly played and executed. If you're already a fan of any of Zuffanti's projects then you'll almost certainly like this too, but if you're not Le Porte Del Domani is unlikely to change your mind.