IL VIAGGIO DI COLOMBO

The discreet smell of an Il Cerchio d'Oro reunion finally became reality in 2006, when the band was re-established with all original members taking part in this fresh new start.The Classic Italian Prog group suprisingly was signed by the Black Widow label, known for its releases in the Heavy Prog/Rock field, and released the first official full-length album in 2008, some 35 years after the original formation, based on Cristoforo Colombo's legendary journey during the 15th century and entitled ''Il viaggio di Colombo''.

Musically grown, Il Cerchio d'Oro's style belongs to the romantic Italian Symphonic Rock territory, akin to IL CASTELLO DI ATLANTE or SITHONIA, with light Classical references and a keyboard-driven sound full of emotional textures as well as complicated themes.Piccolini and Pagnacco offer strong dual keyboard passages with synthesizers and Hammond organ in the forefront in delicate and elaborate arrangements with a very Italian-oriented sound, like coming straight from the 70's.Acoustic guitars and soft piano interludes belong also among the band's priorities, while the vocals of Giuseppe Terribile are excellent with a warm and moving color.BLOCCO MENTALE and PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI are propably the best vintage comparisons due to the extremely elegant still quite adventurous approach of the group, often characterized by nice polyphonic lines.The album flows nice and easy with fine and careful structures and good guitar hooks, when needed, always based on a melodic, symphonic attitude.

Il Cerchio d'Oro's comeback was more than welcome.While suffering from its own identity, the group prooved that it could offer another enjoyable release along the lines of the Classic Italian Prog tradition.Warmly recommended, especially to all fans of the style.