LA MASCHERA DI CERA - IL GRANDE LABIRINTO - 2003

I have always been a big fan of the concept album format and coupled with the creative genius of Agostino Macor (FINESTERRE) and his band they have created another monster album with "Il Grande Labrinto". After being completely enamoured with their debut album I had to hear the follow up album and find it again a mark of genius and hear it in similar light. La MASCHERA DI CERA are Alessandro Corvaglia (vocals), Agostino Macor (guitars and keyboards), Andrea Monetti. (flute and sax), Fabio Zuffanti (bass, guitar, bass pedals and Maurizio di Tollo (drums). For those who believe that Progressive rock is only capable from the 70's era need to wake up and listen to this album. These band have it all going for them with giant symphonic passages (aka Mellotron and vintage keyboards), great guitar and bass interplay vivid flute (love flute in music like this) and excellent drums and vocals (sung of course in Italian).

Musically these guys can really write music with some awesome moments that will make the hair stand up on your arms. I also have a natural tendency to gravitate towards the lengthier songs on albums and I must tell you that the 22 mins "Il Viaggio Nell Oceano Capovolto Parte 2" is a truly magnificent piece of work. Hard exactly to peg musically but I would suggest a cross of 70's Italian prog band METAMORFOSI with PFM, portions of FINESTERRE and a good dose of GENESIS. A wonderful album and one of the more captivating albums I have heard in a wee while. '
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