Magni Animi Viri
Heroes Temporis World Edition

The Magni Animi Viri are a prog-metal group from Salerno founded by keyboardists Giancarlo Trotta and Luca Contegiacomo with an ambitious and fascinating album behind them, like the rock opera of 2006 “Heroes Temporis”, a project in which they involved a full-blown orchestra of 100 elements (The Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra Sif. 309 conducted by Giacomo Simonelli) alongside the band, a classical voice, and a rock one. The idea itself is certainly not new or original: the glorious tradition of Italian prog can boast illustrious examples such as those of the New Trolls and Louis Bacalov. Besides the orchestra, they were joined by respectable musicians like the late Randy Coven on bass, Marco Sfogli (who replaced Mussida as the guitarist for PFM) and John Macaluso on drums. The album received several critical and public acclaims, sounding fresh and succeeding in not being excessively verbose.

Now the Magni Animi Viri have decided to release a new English version of the opera, calling it “Heroes Temporis World Edition”. For the occasion, they have enlisted the contribution of 2 of the most appreciated voices in the international heavy scene like Russell Allen (of prog-metal Symphony X) and Amana Somerville (Kamelot, Epica, Avantasia), while for the reciting voice they chose Clive Riche, known as a distinguished English actor, singer, and voice actor.

In the best progressive tradition, “Heroes Temporis” is a sort of philosophical concept narrating a “journey” in which the protagonist will achieve greater awareness of reality through dreams. Musically, we are faced with an album characterized by majestic symphonic and epic settings where the orchestra is never intrusive and blends wonderfully with more typically hard and metal sounds. It's like listening to a meeting between a band like Dream Theater and classical music. Personally, I have never been crazy about prog-metal, but I have to admit that this work manages to be free from the virtuosic excesses that distinguish the genre: everything sounds balanced and perfect with sumptuous and pop melodies enriched by lovely voices.

It’s also important to emphasize that the production is by the Association Heroes Temporis against autism and the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the play-diagnostic department of the Merclin Clinic in Campagna (SA). Donations can be made at this link: http://heroestemporis.org/index.php/en/. This is the streaming link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/magnianimiviri.