Band: Il Bacio Della Medusa

CD Title: “Discesa Agl’inferi d’un Giovane Amante”

Band Website:

Label: Black Widow Records

Release Date: 2008

Progressive rock music has always found a receptive audience in Italy. When Genesis was first starting out Italy was one of the first countries to take to the band and the influence of those early days continues to echo in the music created decades later; never more so than here. My guess it has a lot to do with the classical influence in prog. From the beginning Italy country became a hot bed for progressive bands so it’s not surprising that the country can still produce some very adventurous, classically oriented progressive rock bands. That brings us to the second CD from Il Bacio della Medusa entitledDiscesa Agl’inferi d’un Giovane Amante. Fans of bands like Banco, PFM or Delirium, you’ll want to sit up and take notice here. This Italian sextet create a music that is classic Italian symphonic progressive rock in the seventies tradition but updated sound-wise to sound very contemporary.

The music created on Discesa Agl’inferi d’un Giovane Amante is essentially one-long concept work consisting of 12 segments running anywhere from 1:48 to 6:58. Each of the songs incorporates the usual keyboards, guitars and drums and then places accents into each composition featuring violin, flute, viola, saxophone etc. They present a nice mix of acoustic and electric, 12 and 6 string guitars, although it must be said, one of the things that make the music sound contemporary is the heavier guitar that is sprinkled throughout. The primary keyboard tends to be the organ. There is a certain intensity in the music, especially in the vocal delivery, which I’m guessing comes from the story line. The band incorporates a strong classical leaning in their compositional style, adding to that some very nice ethnic or cultural embellishments, a hint of acoustic medieval folk here and there to provide some pleasant dynamics. As well each of the compositions tends to shifts in time and tempo effortlessly. The whole affair starts out with the violin as lead instrument which gives way to loads of flute work. There are times where the music is quite reminiscent of mid-period Jethro Tull. At the end of the day this as I say is classic symphonic prog with a heavy touch.

Some Italian bands adopt a very romantic sound style but that’s not the case here. Il Bacio della Medusa projects a very moody, serious, intense and at times aggressive musical approach. And even though there are plenty of softer contrasting moments, the listener is left with the feeling they’ve just listened to a piece of music of some importance. Trust me if you’re a fan of the other Italian bands mentioned this will be right up your alley. It’s great to hear Italian bands still making music this interesting and challenging. Good job!