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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

(Aries) - "Double Reign"

Reviewed by:

"Philip Wooldridge"- (Ravenheart Music)

Genre:
(Female Fronted) {Rock/Symphonic-Metal}-(Music)
Country: Italy
Length: 57:47
Release Date: 2010
Band Members: FABIO ZUFFANTI: Bass, keyboards, guitar SIMONA ANGIOLONI: Vocals
  Davide Guidoni / drums and percussion Vittorio De Scalzi (New Trolls) / flute
  Chiara Alberti / cello Alberto Bo / violin
  Ilaria Bruzzone / viola Luca Scherani / Wurlitzer piano
  Sylvia Trabucco / violin Boris Valle / Fender Rhodes electric piano
  Robbo Vigo / piano
     
Track Listing: 1.)-The Return (6:55)
9.)-I Will Sleep Among The Waves (4:08)
  2.)-Alone (5:40)
10.)- Falling Down (4:51)
  3.)-Deep Inside (3:33) 11.)- The Moon Rises Again (4:22)
  4.)- The House Is Burning (4:34)
12.)-Flow (7:34)
  5.)-Voices (4:42)  
  6.)-See Through Me (2:14)  
  7.)-A Dream Within A Dream (2:42)  
  8.)-Space (6:32)  

Review:

This is the second album from Italian polymath Fabio Zuffanti's's Aries project, I have the self titled first, released back in 2005, safely stowed in my collection. It lies at the the lighter melodic rock end of Fabio's many ventures, indeed the first release was a meandering work that leant heavily towards classic 70's prog, especially Renaissance. However this second album is a far more 21st century, song based, cohesive collection, the key being Simona Anglioloni's elevation from guest to musical partner and co-writer. It is a concept piece based on the 1997 book 'Double Kingdom' by Paola Capriolo which tells the story of a woman who flees the city and takes refuge in a creepy hotel in the hills. Once there she cannot escape, meeting strange characters and experiencing surreal events. Musically it is built around six mellow melodious mellifluous 'ballads', with hints of Ayreon, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, jazz, pop, rock and Andrew Lloyd Webber. I use the term 'ballads' with some reservation and trepidation, because it is does not do justice to the beauty, varying dynamics and subtle power of these songs, graced with Simona's lovely pure semi operatic voice, a string quartet, twinkling electric/acoustic piano, soft Mellotron, electronica and gorgeous melodies. Highlights include 'Alone', 'The Moon Rises Again' and the more up-tempo 'Deep Inside' and 'Space'. Other songs include the more unusual 'See Through Me' and 'I Will Sleep Among the Waves' which convey the mood of the story; the voice and string quartet 'The House is Burning'; the dramatic 'Falling Down' ; and on the final track 'Flow' Simona even does some Dame Cleo Laine style scat singing. I must also mention Davide Guidoni's sensitive fluid skilful drumming which fits the music perfectly, and it is all superbly produced. This is a work of rare beauty, sophistication and grace that will appeal to anyone who appreciates fine quality melodic and prog rock. Full details are on their Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/ARIES/111899015522558 , a mellifluous 9 out of 10.

 

 

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