Lykaion
The Things I've Left

I must say this was truly a delightful surprise: last year indeed saw the third release after “The Equilibrium Of The Hidden” from 2003 and “Behind…A Whisper” from 2005, by the Roman band Lykaion (a group formed by Tiziana Palmieri on vocals and keyboards, Fabio Valentini and Alessandro Sforza on guitars, Valerio Misiferi on bass and last but not least Andrea Alberati on drums), who with this third demo “The Things I’ve Left” demonstrate they have achieved great artistic maturity, having found a personal sound, not at all predictable, which, while taking cues from various genres and artists, is always reworked in an extremely personal manner.

“The Things I’ve Left” is a work that incorporates progressive moments, the true base of the group, alternating with German-derived power (some reminiscences of Rage are scattered throughout the album), gothic, and some brief hints of a certain death metal so dear to the Swedes Arch Enemy, especially regarding the vocals of the good Tiziana, who does not simply and pointlessly mimic renowned colleagues in the more melodic metal scene, but instead seeks to experiment with more extreme parts, while when her tones tune into calmer moments, her voice closely reminded me of the colleague from Guano Apes.

During the four tracks present on the album, which are named “Desert Of Emotions”, “Not A Farewell”, “Serenity” and “Emptiness”, the band shows their ability to create intense atmospheres veiled with subtle melancholy, all thanks to truly commendable guitar work, capable of alternating rocky riffs (the opening of “Serenity” is a real punch), supported by a rhythm section—a painful part for not few progressive bands—that’s truly powerful and always well present. The more melodic parts of the album are also splendid, alternating with the more intense ones, in which the almost gothic vein of the band stands out more (gothic in a very different sense from bands like our Lacuna Coil).

Regarding the flaws of the album, I would have liked a greater presence of solos and did not particularly enjoy the inclusion, at some points, of Alessandro’s voice, which turns out to be ungraceful and almost out of place.

Excellent recording, truly professional, adding more depth to the album, also equipped with a really beautiful and dark cover.

Final praise goes to the lyrics, thoughtful and not at all predictable.

Thus almost full marks are deserved, brilliant.