Record Reviews

ARS NOVA ~ BIOGENESIS PROJECT MUSEA 4532 (Barcode: 3426300045324) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003 4th album by Japanese Prog trio Ars NovaFind albums by this artist, which plays a modern version of music first created by groups like NiceFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist or RefugeeFind albums by this artist. So far nothing extraordinary, but considering the fact that all three players are female changes the picture a bit. Since I’m a big admirer of female musicians, who are not intimidated by the male-dominated world of Prog (in particular) and Music (in general). Of course the fact that they are female isn’t enough to make Ars Nova the superb group it is – but their talents as composers and instrumentalists. The band’s albums are mostly extensive and complex concept works, based on literary or mythical themes. This one is no exception with a story line based on a Science Fiction futuristic idea. On this one the band gets a huge cast of supporting / guest artist (many of them Prog legends), who are members of groups like Balletto Di BronzoFind albums by this artist, PFMFind albums by this artist, GerardFind albums by this artist, AyeronFind albums by this artist and others. The music is bombastic and dramatic, but all in good taste, making it an ideal meal for Symphonic Prog lovers. Definitely worth checking out.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO ~ TRYS MELLOW 367 ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1996 Released: 1999 The legendary Italian Prog group Il Balletto di BronzoFind albums by this artist recorded the seminal album called "YsFind albums with this title" in 1972 . In 1996 Gianni LeoneFind albums by this artist, the original keyboards player from the group, re-created the outfit as a trio and recorded this album live at a festival. All the music of "Ys" is performed, as well as some new material from Leone´s solo albums. Brilliant instrumental performances worthy of the original.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO ~ YS POLYDOR 523693 (Barcode: 731452369321) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 1994 2nd album by Italian Prog band Il Balletto Di BronzoFind albums by this artist, which is often heralded as the best Prog album ever recorded. Although much of early Italian Prog is often greatly overrated, this one truly deserves the title of a sublime piece of music. Following the personnel changes which occurred after their debut album was released, the band was joined by keyboards player / singer Gianni LeoneFind albums by this artist, who transformed them completely. He composed all the music on this album, which is incredibly complex and sophisticated, years ahead of its time. As opposed to most Italian bands, who heavily copied the UK influences, Balletto came up with a completely new concept and made music so original and farfetched that it makes the hair stand up on your neck. It is almost impossible to find any direct traces of influence form the lively Prog scene at the day and one must look rather into contemporary classical music to find the sources, as well as some Avant-Garde / jazz derivations. The usage of the mellotron and other keyboards is truly masterly and adding to this the distorted vocals and guitar, the outlandish effect is stunning. In many respects this could be also seen as a precursor of the RIO movement, which was to emerge in Prog a few years later. Shortly after this album was recorded the band completely disappeared from the scene, creating a lot of mystery tales about both the band and the album. It’s really superfluous to say anything more about this album as nothing will replace the experience of listening to it. A Masterpiece and absolutely essential piece of music.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend