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Rating: Eight years have passed since "Valvonauta" and "Viba," their hit singles that established them as the Italian next big thing. After the psychedelia of "Solo un grande sasso" and the self-production of "Il suicidio dei samurai," Verdena returns with a new album: "Requiem".
Shaking off the label of the "Italian Nirvana" wasn't easy, but at least at the beginning, it was also convenient. During that period (1999-2000), Italy lacked a band that mirrored Nirvana-style grunge that could simultaneously appeal to mainstream and social centers.
"Requiem" is a concentrate of their youthful rage, ballads between The Beatles and psychedelia, Melvins and Nirvana-style grunge, Queens of the Stone Age stoner, and the evolving capabilities of Radiohead. Indeed, it cannot be denied that each Verdena album surprises the listener a bit on the first listen. The tracks expand when you least expect it ("Il gulliver," "Sotto prescrizione del dottor Huxley"), others come like crazy shards ("Don Callisto," "Was?"), some give you a reason to catch your breath for a few seconds ("Opanopono," "Aha," "Faro," "Marti In The Sky"), while others are simple acoustic ballads with psychedelic touches ("Angie," "Trovami un modo semplice per uscirne").
They may not be extremely original, but Italian rock needs albums like these. Those who have the chance and willingness to see them live should do so, as they really deliver.
Tracklist Samples and Videos
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Other reviews
By Blackart
'Requiem is a well-crafted album, yet at the same time, it sounds raw, it’s a work that sweats rock!'
With this fourth album, Verdena reaches complete maturity, fully utilizing the teachings of the sacred monsters of rock.
By The Publisher
"'Requiem' is an aberration of such atrocious dimensions, as to trigger homophobic tendencies among the most gastro-sensitive."
"'Requiem,' or (intentionally!) the death of that little healthy and genuine that remained in our 'beautiful' country."
By JohnWinston
This new work... seems more aggressive and less catchy. Not that it’s a flaw, on the contrary... I believe it turned out to be a dirty and fascinating album.
After the success of Il Suicidio del Samurai, Verdena did not veer towards something softer and more accessible, but rather increased the dose of electric guitars and revived the evocative melodies.
By 4urelio
With this album, they demonstrate significant growth and prove to be one of the best bands on the Italian scene.
Verdena manage to unravel what is inside our souls, describing our lives with violence, madness but also sweetness.
By ServoDiMiyamoto
"Requiem is a magnificent album, the pinnacle that Verdena can reach today."
"They are the future of Italian rock’n’roll. Why stay behind?"
