Reviewed by MichelF on 31 Mar 2009

Most of the songs are of middle length duration with two near epic level length. They offer us a mixture of progressive symphonic styles, and even if at times some songs reminded me of Yes, Genesis or PFM, they definitely have their style. The Italian band Senza Nome came also to my mind, but the production here and the mixing appears to be of a higher level, meaning more professional. The jacket cover is also interesting. Like I have said of other Italian bands, my understanding of the language is too rudimentary to comment aptly the lyrics. Finally, most of their songs show interesting change of rhythm and musical varieties.

“La Leggenda Della Grande Porta” is a great beginning for this excellent album. It is subtle and at the same time powerful, but most of all it conveys a strong emotional undercurrent that, in my view, only progressive symphonic rock could have sown. The melody made me think a little of Yann Tiersien music (in particular Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain). This song is my favourite on this CD; it is a great musical accomplishment.

“Mediterranea” is like the sea of the same name, mostly calm with sudden outburst of energy. This song is a classic example, IMV, of what is produce at the best level by current symphonic progressive rock bands.

“Ulysses” is in the image of the fame antique heroes, it suggest adventures, cunning, strange new world and above all superb music. The guitar riff is fun and slightly near oriental. The piano is also very interesting on this song.

“Sinergy” is the second piece of near epic proportion. It is mostly instrumental; the voices heard are a background chorus without word. It begins with a flavour of early progressive rock where the guitars dominate the soundscape. Then it evolves and an atmosphere of mystery immersed our senses. It is a composition where all members of the band (playing instruments) shine. The guitar offers us passages in shredders land. The tune is also slightly metal oriented, but so varied overall. The piano is superb in combination with the guitar. My second best tune of this CD, even on a par with La Legenda.

“Laguna Di Giada” is a quiet and soulful ballad with romantic overtone at the beginning. It transforms itself in a near hard rock song, but remains grounded in a progressive rhythm.

“Amencer” is a short and probably the most Italian sounding on the album. Its only flaw is that it is to short.

“Terra Dei Falò” closes in an impeccable manner this great debut album. It has a little « old » KC in it.

La Legenda Della Grande Porta is certainly one of the best CD I have listened to so far this year. I recommend it strongly to all lovers of symphonic progressive rock. As usual with a great CD, I am eager to listen to their next one VIII Strada will create.