CONQUEROR - SPRAZZI DI LUCE (EP) - 2009

CONQUEROR is a contemporary Italian group. The line-up in their debut album is: Simona Rigano (keyboards & vocals), Gaetano Scarcella (guitar), Natale Russo (drums) and Tony Rose (bass). The history of this Sicilian group dates back to 1994 although the debut album was released only several years later. Before the debut album there had been many line-up changes and founder Natale Russo has remained the only original member of the group. The music of this group can be compared to APOTEOSI because of the similar female vocals and overall melodic sense.

The debut album "Istinto" was released in 2003. It is an excellent album in the seventies tradition, but with a modern and personal sound. The group manages to produce beautiful melodic lines continuously with nice arrangements. The music is mostly driven by the excellent keyboard/guitar interplay. Also, the mesmerizing voice of Simona Rigano can't be overlooked because the female vocals do set them apart from the majority of similar groups.

New album "Storie Fuori dal Tempo" should be released in 2005. Since the debut album Tino Nastasi has replaced Gaetano Scarsella on guitar and Fabio Ucchino has replaced Tony Rose on bass. The sister of Simona Rigano, Sabrina, has joined the group and she plays flute & saxophone.

CONQUEROR is a fantastic new group from the Italian progressive scene.
http://www.progarchives.com