Salmo
hellvisback

LA RECENSIONE

Rap n'roll.

That's how I would summarize the latest effort by Maurizio Pisciottu, aka Salmo. 13 powerful tracks to enjoy with a good tequila, and possibly in a nice casino room, surrounded by playboy girls, as high as Hunter S. Thompson.

The main novelty is the arrangements, perpetually balancing between Salmo's old style (Io sono qui, Giuda, L'alba... to name just a few tracks, represent a nice step forward in the elaboration of beats from "the island" 2011) and a conceptual evolution of the sound that skillfully mixes rock and rap together, with the exceptional help of drummer Travis Barker for two breathtaking tracks (Il messia, Bentley vs Cadillac). A sound that is dark and strictly "hardcore," but also warm like the Nevada desert, rocking like the best Presley, Berry, and Didley, in short, very Old Style, but brought to today's standards. Lyrics with an exceptional flow, perhaps more "professional" than interesting on any conceptual level: mostly, the concepts are alternated with extreme citationism, which never loses the rhythm. Then we have more complex lyrics, like Il Messia, which returns to the subject catholic church = a**holes, a topic much loved by the rapper. There is finally a closing track that is a full 10 minutes long, "peyote." Ideal for a trip in the middle of the desert, heavy but very enjoyable.

In conclusion, I would say that Hellvisback is a beautiful return to the scene for Salmo. 13 tracks, no filler: an evolution of style temporarily gone to hell in the mid-period (2012-13) but recovered optimally. I can only congratulate Salmo for this nice surprise and hope he continues in this (right) direction.