This one came to me recently. I’d never heard anything from this Italian band but thought I’d give it a listen. Well, what can I say? This is so well done. ‘Proggy’ (for want of a better word) stuff, is not my ‘go-to’ music form but this is such a good album it deserves a mention and will get many listens from me. It’s a Sci-Fi concept album about 2 space travellers that have to deviate to a new planet and…, well, you can look that part up yourself. This is their 3rd album, their first with new vocalist Jan Manetti. Beautifully written songs that take you away with them. It has a 70s feel to me in some passages, part Rush / part Kansas, I know that’s a weird mix. Many different vocalists contribute to the telling of the story. Keyboard maestro Derek Sherinian swings in to add his touch to the title track. The album is just over an hour of excellent music but none of the songs are too long that they’re not going to keep your interest all the way through. The longest track is 10 minutes but it doesn’t feel like it if you know what I mean.
Verdict – pleasantly surprised.
Fave tracks – ‘Landing On Axtradel’, ‘Escape To Blue Planet’ and ‘The Supreme Being’
For fans of – Rush, Queensrÿche, Fates Warning, Dream Theater.
Release date – OUT NOW