Daal
Decalogue of Darkness

There is big news for Daal, one of the best acts in the current Italian prog scene: they are releasing not one but two new albums for the group of keyboardist and Bergamo genius Alfio Costa – also known for his work with the Prowlers – and Roman drummer Davide Guidoni, assisted here by guitarist Ettore Salati and bassist Bobo Aiolfi. These albums are “Decalogue Of Darkness” and “Navels Falling Into A Living Origami”: they are, in reality, two very different but complementary works that demonstrate Daal's eclecticism and broad vision. This “Decalogue Of Darkness” somehow reconnects with their previous works and, in particular, an album like “Dodecahedron”, while the other is more experimental and less conventional but not less valid. “Decalogue Of Darkness” has a solemn and regal atmosphere that will delight lovers of symphonic music. There is a great display of keyboards: those who adore the sound of the Mellotron and vintage settings will find something to sink their teeth into. From the cover, we are projected into a dark and gothic universe filled with shadows. We are faced with a substantial work that could be the ideal soundtrack for a 1970s horror and esoteric series like “Il Segno del Comando” and “Ho incontrato un’ombra”. The album is divided into 10 chapters – all unnamed – that lead us into a labyrinth from which there is no escape. The interplay between the musicians is perfect: Alfio Costa's elegant and evocative keyboards are well accompanied by Davide Guidoni's jazzy drumming while the “Floydian” guitar textures and the pulsating bass contribute to enriching the sound. The highlight of the album is the second chapter, over 16 minutes long: the initial part, introduced by piano and Mellotron, immediately immerses us in an ancient and dark dimension, where unnameable rituals take place in dilapidated castles. Then the sound becomes imposing and grandiose before folding into calmer and more mysterious sounds, only to pick up again towards more frenetic atmospheres: the ending is stunning and horrifying. But this is a characteristic we also find in the other chapters of the album. The beginning of the last chapter is very ethereal and cosmic: it reminded me of Tangerine Dream during the “Phaedra” and “Rubycon” period: then Ettore Salati's beautiful guitar paints poignant atmospheric textures while in the second part the music becomes dark and evocative. “Decalogue Of Darkness” maintains high standards throughout its 71-minute duration and confirms all of Daal's class. Available on Bandcamp: https://daal.bandcamp.com/album/decalogue-of-darkness.