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Rating: Let's say it right away: nothing to do with the previous two, and for many reasons. Times have changed, and already in 1976, the operation of the second Concerto Grosso could appear opportunistic and a bit stale; Luis Bacalov is no longer there, Sergio Bardotti has passed away (to whom the album is dedicated), and upon closer inspection, the same New Trolls are no longer there.
"The Seven Seasons" more than a group album, is a work by De Scalzi: not only because it is a nice follow-up to his Concerto Grosso (2001, with Maurizio Salvi), but also because he is the driving force behind the project, also due to Nico Di Palo's health condition, which no longer allows him the flights of the past. Upon closer inspection, there isn't even the "typical" structure of the Concerto Grosso, that dialogue between orchestra and group that made history in 1971. There's a discourse of greater fusion between the two elements, of impeccable balance, of rock songs reinforced by strings and possessed by the usual and precious melodic vein.
This does not mean that the album isn't valid, quite the contrary: it's the fruit of a band that, invigorated by young talents like Bellia, Maddalone, and Sposito, is always gritty and determined; it enjoys the expert orchestral direction of Stefano Cabrera, the intimate lyrics of Shel Shapiro, the historic voice of the Rokes. It is an album that will be much appreciated because it shows the New Trolls as very fresh, with some homage to the famous first Concerto Grosso, see the opening of "The Knowledge", and especially with brilliant pieces in the name of a classically-tinged yet modern and enjoyable progressive rock, like the intense ballad "Dance With The Rain", the relentless title track, one of the album's highest moments, like "Testament Of Time", a dynamic track with an almost cinematic cut, and the solid suite "Simply Angels" that will not displease prog-metallers.
"One Magic Night" (with soprano Madelyn Monti) is among the most melodic episodes, almost Puccinian in intensity; the unmistakable choruses return in "The Ray Of White Light", a piece of great serenity and composure; "To Love The Land" enjoys a fine melodic invention. The band traverses the individual tracks with cadences, ostinatos, and larghettos, drawing from that classical reservoir that in the '70s inspired much of the Italian rock bands (see "Future Joy", "Barocco 'n Roll": sparkling, balanced episodes, never too pompous although nostalgic). Special mention for Vittorio's "piano prelude" in "The Season Of Hope", a moment of genuine grace.
I recommend listening to "The Seven Seasons": it is the work of one of the greatest Italian bands, it manages to skillfully harmonize the two classic Trollsian veins, the rock/prog one and the pop/melodic one, showcases the ever-shining talent of Vittorio De Scalzi (one of the best pens ever had in Italy), and above all a mature group. Indeed, a historic signature always ready for good music.
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