Fire Trails
Third Moon

When it comes to Pino Scotto, the first thing that comes to mind is Vanadium and their "Metal Rock" (1982), their debut album and perhaps the first true metal CD on the Italian scene. We've watched the great Pino on Rock TV, dispensing advice and morals to young people, and many might have thought they were dealing with a legend, now just an old gentleman with long raven hair who saw rock from an armchair. Instead, the old Milanese-Neapolitan lion comes out with these Fire Trails, who debuted in 2002 with a tribute CD to Vanadium, aptly titled "Vanadium Tribute" where Pino and his team revisit the major hits of the old Milanese band, and a video, "Run Too Fast", is also released.
The album, since it resurrected historic songs, might not surprise, Pino still has a great voice, but a cover CD cannot ultimately bring an artist like him to the forefront. After two years, the lineup was entirely modified except for guitarist Steve Angarthal. In 2005, the band, which seemed a ghost from the past, surprises everyone with a very solid CD, in full '80s metal style with some predictable nods to Vanadium, but not limited to a "copy-paste." Limiting this "Third Moon" to a single genre is very difficult. The influences of different rock and metal styles intertwine in the 11 tracks.

The concept album related to Native Americans, a theme deeply felt by Pino Scotto, begins with a suggestive title track, slow and melancholic, interspersed with excellent riffs and virtuosity from Angarthal, who musically grew up, not surprisingly, with Yngwie J. Malmsteen and his "Trilogy." The track is followed by the song that got the video, "Spaces and Sleeping Stones", excellent and engaging, and a thoroughbred metal song like "Fighter". Then we move to the epic piece with an excellent choir "Brave Heart". After two more well-crafted tracks full of classic metal influences mixed with some prog inflows - pardon the daring comparison, in some solos the keyboard of the monumental Larsen Premoli reminds me a lot of the great Goblins - comes the calmest song of the album, the very good "Silent Heroes" which stands out for its Rossinian crescendo. The most disappointing track, but not of inferior craftsmanship, is "God of Souls", which to me (in my humble opinion) recalls the early Helloween repertoire, only interrupted by the good solo of Fire Trails' axeman Steve and the keyboardist (very classical, who do they remind you of?). The CD closes with neither disgrace nor high praise, with some peaks but without making us scream masterpiece as in previous tracks.

All the songs are accompanied by the good drumming of Mario Giannini, who provides much rhythm aided by the bassist, somewhat low in volume for my tastes, Frank Coppolino. The tremendous technique of Steve Angarthal greatly helps the tracks achieve a particular punch, adding color to some otherwise too bland moments, and especially thanks to excellent mixing work, guarantees the presence of arpeggios and small virtuoso touches in the background that increase the complexity of the composition. Pino Scotto's performance, however, is excellent. Reaching his age and still having the voice, breath, passion, and courage to take the stage is an example for everyone. It is known that hard work is always rewarded. Indeed, due to popular demand, they were invited to play at the Gods Of Metal, alongside "monsters" like Strana Officina, Extrema, and Vision Divine, with a show worthy of praise, Pino proves to be beloved by the people (cheered loudly before, during, and after the concert) and above all, a great Rock Star.