Metamorfosi
Paradiso

Although I have been a member of DeBaser for just over a month, people have been asking me when I would write my first review. Honestly, I was looking for something that particularly struck me and that had not already been reviewed, and I finally found it: "Paradiso" by Metamorfosi!

But first, let's take a few steps back, especially for the benefit of those who do not know this band (shame on you!). This group was formed in 1970 thanks to Jimmy Spitarelli (lead vocals) and Enrico Olivieri (keyboards), who, along with Roberto Turbitosi (bass) and Gianluca Herygers (drums), recorded what is considered one of the best Italian prog rock albums in '73: "Inferno". However, as was too often the case with bands like this, the response from the public was not the best, and the group disbanded. Spitarelli, however, after some solo work, tried to resurrect the old band, and together with Olivieri and a new powerful rhythm section consisting of Fabio Moresco on drums and Leonardo Gallucci on bass and acoustic guitar, they started a series of concerts, and in 2004, "Paradiso" was released.

 When approaching this CD, I immediately thought it was the usual reunion in memory of the old days (something that seems very fashionable lately). Ultimately, I expected it to be a work that was little more than mediocre. I was wrong! Paradiso is a truly well-made CD, full of unique moments.

 The glory of Him who moves everything

penetrates the universe, and shines

in one part more and elsewhere less.

Into the heaven that receives most of His light

was I, and saw things that cannot

be told, nor can they be remembered upon descent;

for as one draws near to his desire,

our intellect reaches such heights,

that memory cannot follow.

This is how the album opens, directly reprising the first hendecasyllables of the first canto of Paradiso (there couldn't be a better start!). Right from the start, Olivieri, while accompanying the reading of this short passage from Dante, demonstrates that he is incredibly inspired, something that is confirmed throughout the album (his performance in the instrumental "Salita a Venere" is wonderful). It also seems time has not passed for Spitarelli. His voice (still magnificent after thirty years) blends forcefully into the melodic tapestry woven by Olivieri. The performance of the two "new additions" is also excellent, doing a great job and enhancing the moments of greater pathos. The atmospheres, as one might expect, are no longer the dark and heavy ones of "Inferno", but are sweet and light to reflect the context in which we now find ourselves. The organ is replaced by piano and synthesizers. However, there are also moments, like in "Sfera di fuoco" or "Il cielo di Marte", that take us back in time. The instrumental "Empireo" and the concluding track "La chiesa delle stelle" are magnificent.

In short, I thought it was rubbish, but I have to say that, in my opinion, this album is the worthy continuation of "Inferno".  Years go by, some members change, the scenario changes, but Metamorfosi is still here!