Victor Peraino's Kingdome Come
Journey In Time

THE REVIEW

Returning from the mists of distant times - thanks to Black Widow of Genoa, a cult label for all prog enthusiasts - are the legendary Kingdom Come, the legendary band from the early '70s – at the time at the forefront thanks to the use of the VCS3, mellotron, and theremin - led by Arthur Brown, a charismatic and influential figure of the psychedelic and prog scene of the time.

The bizarre and acrobatic leader then left the fate of the band to the revolutionary American keyboardist Victor Peraino. It is precisely the latter who has dusted off the glorious banner, managing to involve Arthur Brown himself. The album features unreleased tracks in addition to the revisiting of small classics from the debut album (1968), from “Journey” (1973) and from “No Man's Land” (1975), an album recently reissued by Black Widow where, however, Arthur Brown was no longer present. The sound is a powerful mix of space-rock, hard-rock, and psychedelia.

The final result, however, only partially convinces. The sounds used are too “modern” and sound false and artificial from the beginning with “We Only Come To Help You,” one of the unreleased tracks. Not even the re-proposals of the classics with Arthur Brown on vocals, including “I Put A Spell On You,” manage to significantly improve the situation. Elsewhere, things go better as in “Empires Of Steel,” gritty and with striking guitars in evidence. It ends with the cover of “Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,” of which we remember the interpretation by the Animals of Eric Burdon.

In addition to the CD, there is also a DVD that offers 5 tracks from a recent concert recorded live in Detroit as well as a promotional video from 1980 of “Demon Of Love.” This is material of considerable interest, especially for fans. An album that, in any case, contains some beautiful moments and will be appreciated by nostalgic people.