Universal Totem Orchestra
The Magus

Black Widow Records

The best Italian independent record label dedicated to progressive has produced another work ready to become a classic in the genre. And to think that once there were only Magma and a handful of other groups. Universal Totem Orchestra is one of the best bands around ready to produce niche works and even if this is only the second one, "The Magus" is absolutely one of the best progressive albums heard in recent years. Surely, many listeners of great rock appreciated the previous work "Rituale Alieno" describing it as excellent, but in this one the band has outdone themselves shaping their sound in a more refined and symphonic way.

In this one, its gothic side purely remains and has completed itself in a light and fun way along with the great voice of soprano Ana Torres Fraile. The complexity of the product naturally remains perpetual, reminding us that it is always and in any case music of the celestial world rich in neoclassicism, romanticism, modernism, oppressive marches, and fusion as the great Christian Vander of Magma deemed.

The sound of this work is very demanding and does not overlook the main theme of alienation, small tragedies in a lost world, long-term explorations among complicated arrangements and impressive vocal dynamics. The songs are 6 and fully fill the 80 minutes; certainly, the length discourages even the most passionate of the genre but it is absolutely worth it, the listener will be involved in the long exploration of themselves, everything will be engaging and monstrously alienating, but will also end in ravines of sweetness.

The first track is "De Astrologia," a 20-minute journey into mysticism. The opening section involves repeated vocal singing before exploding on a single occasion. It slowly evolves into a dramatic call to arms, rolling and marching, almost evoking the vision of warriors moving through battle.

"Coerenza Delle Percentuali" is a wild piece also almost 20 minutes long, with exchanges of male and female vocal parts, everything moves beyond the lines and Fraile is huge. Beautiful.

"Les Plantes Magiques," on the other hand, is the shortest piece but not less beautiful; it is the least intricate track but magical at the same time. Guitar and drums find peace and one enters a state of contemplation. It enters the dramatic but the tension will gradually increase.

"Ato Piradime," in my opinion, is the most beautiful piece. It starts softly but then enters a fusion world, the presence of the sax is wonderful, making it the least cynical and therefore the warmest. To listen and re-listen.

"Mors, Ultima Linea Rerum," fusion grooves, and pressing rock that fight each other to the sound of an endless keyboard. Frenetic and galloping.

"Vento Madre," the last piece, the right closure of a mystical and esoteric journey. A male voice merges with the female one softening the power of the instruments. A final embrace that reaches a happy point but where after 80 minutes no sign of frustration appears.

After 9 years, the sequel of the most committed among the committed Italian bands of our days. Absolutely a must-have, especially in double vinyl.

Listen to it and shout masterpiece!