Il balletto di bronzo
Lemures

For those who love prog or simply great music, Ys by Balletto di Bronzo evokes mythical and mythological memories. It is a cult album that the entire world envies. Abroad, it is considered a timeless classic and is perhaps more loved than in Italy, where, when it comes to prog, some often scoff. In my ranking of the prog albums I have loved most, I put it on par with Zarathustra by Museo Rosenbach. It is a shame that the group disbanded after this masterpiece (without forgetting Sirio 2222, though Gianni Leone was not part of it). However, the disagreements between Gianni Leone (a great keyboardist) and drummer Giancarlo Ajello were insurmountable. Now, after a long wait of 51 years, we finally have (excluding some live performances) the new album by Balletto di Bronzo titled Lemures. I must be honest: often the new incarnations of legendary bands like this leave me somewhat perplexed. Indeed, it is difficult to recreate the magic of bygone times, and there is no shortage of examples in this regard. However, I must admit that Gianni Leone (here aided by the talented Riccardo Spilli on drums and Ivano Salvatori on bass) has hit the mark. I say immediately, to dispel any doubts, that we are not faced with a new Ys. But then again, it would have made no sense to release in 2023 an album that sounded like it did in 1972. Times have changed, and anyway (thinking of La Maschera di Cera), those seeking nostalgic operations would not struggle to find them. Lemures stands midway: on one hand, the ancient spirit of Balletto is evoked, and at certain moments, like in the second track "Oceani sconosciuti," a shiver runs down your spine. On the other hand, the sound is projected into the future. The intro "Incubo Succubo" introduces us to this journey to the edge of time and space. In the instrumental "Napoli sotterranea," there are unsettling vocalizations (almost akin to Magma) while the music is supported by a beautiful pulsating bass, nervous drums, and the omnipresent keyboards of Leone. "L’ombra degli dei" has a beautiful initial vocal part, then the atmospheres become changing and mysterious. "Labyrinthus" is another instrumental of good level with effective vocalizations again and a second part where the interplay between the musicians is perfect. "Deliquio viola" has a hard approach (like much of this album) and is very dreamlike. Finally, the concluding "Il vento" closes Lemures in a worthy manner which, beyond what the aforementioned nostalgics might think, is not a bad album. The wait has been long (let's hope we won't have to wait another 51 years!), but the final product has not disappointed expectations. Available on the Black Widow site: www.blackwidow.it.