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Void, the debut record by Italian progressive fusion newcomers The RedZen, is an admirable effort. As a mostly instrumental album full of the usual prog sounds - sharp guitar riffs, symphonic keyboards, thick bass lines, and tight syncopation - it works well, but like so many new acts in the genre, it fails to make a unique statement.

La Torre dell'Alchimista loudly proclaim a strong connection with the tradition of the seventies, especially for the instrumental set. The album, basically, is based on powerful hammond organ excursions enriched by strong mellotrons waves, synthesizers, acoustic and electric pianos. It obviously recalls ELP, but not only. Some strong typical italian flavour such as Le Orme and Rustichelli e Bordini, for example, is well evident. Drums and bass lines are very convincing and remark vehemently the many shifting moods. The atmosphere is not completely vintage, though, due to the more soft, singed romantic parts that are wisely spread all along the running time. Classical mythological creatures such as "Cerbero", "Medusa" and "Idra" are, simply, the icing on the cake!

Both with a long career and a lot of experience behind them, Carlo Bordini and Gianluca De Rossi team up to finally release an album together. Known for having played in Italian Progressive Rock bands such as Rustichelli and Bordini, Goblin, Cherry Five and Taproban, the duo offers this record with a markedly 70s sound…

Songs, Poems and a Lady is a notable proof, which is eligible to be one of the most eminent debuts of this latest season. It is an album which is a sort of auditory analepsis, embellished with the strength of young intentions and a strong know how. It is a pleasure for the ears and so I can suggest to every prog rock and symphonic rock fan to listen to this album and enjoy the music of this Italian band.

Milanese band Silver Key seem to have suddenly arrived out of nowhere but in fact started out as long ago as 1992, as an official tribute act of Marillion and Fish. They've gained a loyal following by playing live down the years, including concerts with Fem and Ubi Maior, but after two decades of regular gigging have finally released their debut album of original material. It was always their stated aim to do this and at last they have found their own voice. Incidentally, the band takes its name from a short story by American writer H. P. Lovecraft where the protagonist loses the magical key that enables him to enter an alternate dimension of dreams. This choice of name for the band symbolises the means by which they can fulfil their own long held dreams just as Lovecraft's character is able to visit his dreamed-of cities.

Second chapter of OTEME’s discographic saga, the new CD L'Agguato, L'Abbandono, Il Mutamento moves oblique on the edge between contemporary music and song-writing, art-rock and sound-art, scores written rigorously and free improvising. The work, deeply contaminated by different cultural disciplines and experiences contains a history of nearly 25 years. This is certainly the time spent writing lyrics, composing the music, arranging and recording the pieces. OTEME – Osservatorio delle Terre Emerse (The Observatory of Dry Lands) is a musical project / chamber ensemble whose size and composition change according to the music being executed and the language chosen.

(Un)Connected the new magnificent progressive journey of "La Bocca della Verità". The Roman group is back after 7 years, in great shape, with a concept album that is extraordinary. A journey between vintage and the most modern style of music accompanied by great guests (to be noted the guitarist of the Banco del Mutuo Soccorso Filippo Marcheggiani). An album that flows and that you never get tired of listening to…