(power/progressive metal) Revoltons - Night Visions - 2003, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Starting life as one in a long line of Metallica cover acts certainly didn't bode well for Italian romeos Revoltons, but after a succession of line-up changes and numerous throws of the dice, their debut album became a reality and it finally was, after many years and much personal anguish, their lucky day; because unlike the interminable glut of Labyrinth wannabes that flooded the market in the wake of their glory days, Revoltons actually had a wave of originality to wash over the coveted sound they pervaded.

With their thrashy roots buried far below the surface, Revoltons and the dark, enveloping world they created with Night Visions actually had more in common with bands like Vanden Plas, Moonlight Comedy, and, particularly in the vocal department, latter-day Angra. From the cold, chilling opener "Cell Of Death" the demarcation between Revoltons and any number of their fellow countrymen is palpable, with big, chunky riffs, sharp, progressive signatures, and convoluted but memorable vocal lines taking precedence over the more obvious trappings of the genre such as constant double-kick drum abuse or pugilistic soloing.

The band have a penchant for the dramatic — like most bands of their ilk — making the mythical and emotional lyrical subjects all the more approving when sat alongside mammoth tracks like "The Old Walls", "Reality Met Childhood", and the thunderous "Hands Of Magellano", which spins like a veritable tumble-dryer of crystal keys, soaring vocals, and galloping, awe-inspiring melodies. While the production and execution can seem a little DIY at times, the band manages to craft a mysterious and perhaps threatening atmosphere, bringing the fabled antiquity of the lyrics into urgent focus.

While Night Visions isn't the greatest record of its kind, it offers more than the average attempt, especially by Italian standards, so if you like your Prog-Power with a dose of individuality, this is definitely worth hunting down.

Andro - vocals
Alex Corona - guitars
Andrea Corona - keyboards
Alessandro Carli - bass
Giorgio "Pittore" Murer - drums and percussion
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Luigi Stefanini - guitars on 7 & 10
Claudio Coassin - backing vocals
Alberto Da Rech - growls