Hocculta
Back In The Dark

Hocculta is a band that, together with Vanadium & Co, marked the unforgettable period of the great N.W.O.I.H.M. (New Wave Of ITALIAN Heavy Metal). The Milanese quartet was formed in 1983, a year that saw the birth of numerous valid metal formations, especially in that area, namely Lombardy and its surroundings.

After their first demo "In The Dream Of Death," Hocculta recorded the famous debut "Warnings Game" in 1984, which is considered by many to be the pinnacle of their career and one of the many great works of tricolor metal. This CD achieved immediate success, characterized by the classic Italian metal sound, heavily influenced by Judas, Saxon & Co. After many live appearances in the Milanese territory, where Vanadium was also around, in 1988 they released the new album "Back In The Dark." The band underwent two changes, namely the departure of guitarists Marco Bona and Luca Trabanelli, who were replaced by Roberto Broggi, while the excellent vocalist Massimo Lodini, bassist Tony Chiarito, and drummer Floriano Buratti remained. The album's title, "Back In The Dark," already hinted at a slight variation of the sound, which became more menacing, more dark, and slightly touching the doom of compatriots Black Hole.

Hocculta was greatly influenced by the early works of Ronnie James Dio, Saint Vitus, and also by the Scorpions, so much so that Lodini's voice is almost identical to Klaus Maine! I'd call him the Italian Klaus Maine! The nine songs are all of high quality, except perhaps for "Lonely Knights," which I find less incisive and less exciting compared to the others. I would define this work as the absolute peak of Hocculta, even more so than "Warning Games," which, with all due respect, seems to me like the usual predictable heavy metal album. Perhaps I'm wrong, but "Back In The Dark" immediately struck me for the originality and uniqueness of its sound, which was truly unique in Italy. The title track and "Angel Of Death" are the most representative and complete tracks of the entire CD, both in terms of impact and beauty. Lodini's voice is surprising and charismatic, while also managing to convey energy and melody. The refrains are indeed powerful and can be memorized right away, while Broggi's performance is convincing. "Angel Of Death" has a sound heavily influenced by the doom of Saint Vitus from the album of the same name, while the chorus is something of rare beauty and power! "Tempter" seems like a song taken from the early repertoire of James Dio, a wild and engaging track, while "Dirty Illusion" is a very good semi-ballad. The song is introduced by Broggi's beautiful arpeggios that transform into a classic metal riff supporting the singer's voice, rich in pathos.

"Along The River Of Memories" is a short track of just two minutes and ten where the band focuses and summarizes the speed metal so dear to Exciter and especially to Anvil. A truly fast and lightning track. "Haze Inside" brings Hocculta back to the typical doom patterns, with various nods to the more epic Ronnie James Dio, especially regarding Lodini's vocal style. Very interesting and never predictable songs, as demonstrated by the refrain of this song, where the singer assumes a rather original tone. "Lonely Knights" is the least beautiful piece of the album, while "Supreme Sacrifice" is a slow, dark track enriched by unsettling choirs, which I would even define as gothic. A truly exceptional track, with an epic chorus framed by the majestic performance of the band. Sublime! The last track "Shake Now" is the most classic metal-oriented episode of "Back In The Dark," that is, fast riffs, similar to the ubiquitous Judas, high-pitched vocals, and a tight and heavy rhythm section. This is another rare gem of dear Italian metal!

Hocculta, after disbanding in the late '80s, recently reunited and in 2006 recorded "Taste The Pain," unexpectedly announcing their return! SCREAM OF ANGER!!