Strana Officina
The Faith

THE REVIEW

La Strana Officina is one of the most representative bands of Italian heavy metal.

La Strana officially formed in 1970 thanks to brothers Fabio and Roberto Cappanera, who unfortunately passed away in 1993, with bassist Enzo Mascolo, while guitarist Marcello Masi (also deceased) and vocalist Bud Ancillotti joined in 1982. They began recording their first self-titled album in 1984, which marked a real turning point, both for the lyrics in their native language and for the quality and originality of the music. In 1987, they released "The Ritual" with the beginning of using English and with some pressure from the label that was felt. In 1988, they released "Rock n Roll Prisoners," considered the masterpiece of the quartet, thanks to tracks like "King Troll", "War Games", and "Burning Wings", gaining positive reception from critics and fans. After this success, the band disbanded, and on July 23, 1993, the Cappanera brothers died in a car accident. Last year marked their comeback and a major appearance at the Gods and the Legends Never Die festival, and this year, the long-awaited "The Faith."

This is not a new CD but a tribute to the past of this band that has been glaringly underrated so far. The band comprises Bud Ancillotti on vocals, Enzo Mascolo on bass, and the new additions Rolando and Dario Cappanera. "The Faith" offers the twelve tracks from "The Ritual" and "Rock N Roll Prisoners" completely re-recorded and enriched by three historic tracks in Italian. It's very exciting to hear the solid riff of "Metal Brigade" again, truly a speed piece with fast rhythms, monstrous drumming, and a great performance by Bud with his beautiful bright voice. There are the bouncing notes of "Rock N Roll Prisoners", the tight rhythms of "Gamblin Man," and the touching and emotional melodies of the ballad "Unknown Soldier". Then comes the touching electric semi-ballad of "Autostrada dei sogni", the super classic "Profumo di Puttana", and the anthem "Officina", sung in Italian, as is Strana's tradition.

We can hear speed and earthquaking moments like "King Troll" and "The Kiss Of Death", rock 'n' roll segments, passages that recall the more progressive US metal ("The Ritual"), "commercial" influences like the beautiful "War Games", while missing are tracks in Italian like "Piccolo Uccello Bianco" and the old "Non Sei Normale". All of this is done by a great band, equipped with a great guitarist like Dario Cappanera and Rolando, and two historic presences like Bud and Enzo Mascolo.

The pieces have been re-recorded extremely faithfully, and the new recording allows for appreciation in a proper and complete way. The rhythmic foundation of the drums has become cleaner, sharper, and richer, but the melodic adjustments are minimal. "The Faith," with its songs, is a journey through the history of Italian metal, just as the stratospheric concerts that Strana is doing lately. This collection is a great introduction even for those who don't know the band and for those who want to relive the beloved metal of the Eighties.