Enrico Ruggeri
Frankenstein

While rereading Mary Shelley's novel, Ruggeri finds the inspiration for a new project: transforming the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his creature into a concept album. But his true intent is to attribute to each song three levels of interpretation: narrating the chapters of the Frankenstein novel, considering each track as a standalone work, and lastly, following his novel (included with the album) track by track.

Let's get to the heart of it, Frankenstein, in my opinion, is Ruggeri's best work; an album conceived, written, played, and (if you'll allow me) harmonized with excellent consistency. No more ups and downs as often occurred in his previous records; the music and arrangements perfectly blend with the story, a concept that flows in a single breath with choruses that stick in your mind from the first listen (Frankenstein), hints of punk (L'odio porta odio) and ballads.

Particularly noteworthy is Elio's flute, which makes an appearance in the intro and in the final track "L'infinito avrà i tuoi occhi," a poignant song. Andrea Mirò’s violin in "Ucciderò (se non avrò il mio amore)," a track reminiscent of "Venus in furs" by the Velvet Underground. Riffs and sharp rhythms bring to life a hard rock track, "Aspettando i superuomini," where Ruggeri's voice blends perfectly with the sharp notes coming from Schiavone's guitar.

But the real strength of Rouge is (as always) the lyrics, which describe man in his essence, his desires and fears, in an epic manner. The intention of providing three levels of interpretation is achieved perfectly, an album quite unfashionable as he himself defined it, hard to disagree given the current times and works released here in Italy today, especially in the mainstream.