CONQUEROR - ISTINTO - 2003

It is frankly a pity that so few reviews are posted for this album (and the band more generally). As if it weren't only a few classic Italian prog bands (in their early days) that made this genre so fantastic.

If ever, like me, you have succumbed to wonderful melodies, you are "under influence" of some fine female vocals, you appreciate delicate keyboards passages and at the same time a harder aspect doesn't bother you; I guess that you are ready for a "Conqueror" experience. And let yourself be conquered. You're just entering a wonderful moment.

Great songs are plenty.

From the upbeat opener "Storie Di Favole" to the closing "Entropia". It is true to say that the band has a harder sound than most of his legendary predecessors; but this is a general tendency in prog music nowadays, right?

"Conqueror" integrated some heavy and new sounds into their magnificent and genuine Italian music. This led to a jewel of an album which is full of masterpieces. "Quartar" being the first of them. But it only opens the fires to several ones.

Feeling, skills, harmony, power. These are the ingredients of another superb song here. "Pensieri Fragili" is just keeping up the quality. A wonderful mix of prog metal combined with soft Italian prog. I am just discovering this mix, and I believe it is exceptional. Keyboards are wonderful. I am just captivated. Would you follow me in the trip so that I don't feel alone during "Cristalli Di Solitudine"? Even if some synth sounds are Banks oriented, it is a wonderful song which features some passionate guitar as well. The middle part solo is extraordinary. But this would be too reductive. This song is just outstanding. It is not a highlight. It is a jewel.

This album is such a beauty. Almost indecent. Difficult to find any defect. But at the end of the day, this is the true miracle of music. To discover true gems almost out of the blue. It has been quite a while that I haven't been so moved by a band. I guess that the last one another great Italian prog one. (La Maschera).

The instrumental "Conqueror" conveys a fantastic emotion. While you listen to the fabulous intro of "Entropia", you will be automatically brought back into the wonders of "Firth Of Firth" from whom you might know.

I have been listening to this album three times in just two days and I can't be tired of it. It is full of passion and wonders. Do me (and yourself) a favour: have a listen to this fantastic and unknown record. It is a great album. You might know that I am rather scarce in providing five stars (only five per cent of my reviews approximately). This record reaches the level IMHHO.

Not a single weak moment. No repetitive music. Excellent instrumental parts and convincing vocals. Gorgeous compositions. What else do we need? More reviews, I guess. Wake up guys, you the Italian prog specialists. There is a gem here.

Five stars.
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