VOLUMIcriminali
Frammenti d'istanti

In a November that perhaps marks the period of greatest lashing of the Ligurian land, abandoned to itself by a beautiful country, increasingly tangled up in its financial system that is taking in as much water as fell on Genoa, a small pearl takes shape in those very lands. A work that aims to give more voice to those who scream without being seen. A cry of protest that seeks to remove the gag from the increasingly anachronistic mutism of institutions and the media. Let's start with the artwork that at first glance recalls the masterpiece of King Crimson – In The Court of Crimson King. Here, however, there is only one stylized eye of the screaming schizoid man, an eye that reveals sadness for certain hypochondriac situations of modern human nature and, at the same time, the anger of those who want to break free from it.

"Prima fermata destino" – the opener was already appreciated in the previous work. A track that strongly recalls the "classic" stylistic features of nu metal, with sudden breaks of melody. The right trade union between all the sweaty sacrifice of our Volumes in the past years and everything new they are about to offer from here onwards.

"Forma e Sostanza" – CSI dressed as Deftones. A historic piece from a band that has contributed greatly to the (greatly underestimated) rock panorama made in Italy. Taken by Pogo and company and sprinkled with new lifeblood, imbued with technique and energy. An extra gear to keep demanding from life what you deserve. A beautiful and very enjoyable reinterpretation. The right tribute to the precursors.

"Diverso" – Finally, it starts. A rousing riff opens the most granitic piece of the batch. A protest against the commercialization and stereotypical nature of musical art. A rabid self-proclamation of "diversity" and autonomy from the Italian musical jet set, pushed by various false myths and false heroes made in DeFilippi. The vocal performance of the rough-throated combo, Pogo, is superb. A rain of words that rests on a carpet of linear drumming reinforced by a substantial guitar sound. Vocal lines that weave perfectly on the nervous pace of the rhythmic session. From headbanging from start to finish.

"Distante" – A soft and melodious intro, with the two voices intertwining and complementing each other in modulations, erupts into fragments of moments of anger like a stone in the face. The best track of the platter for the perfect harmony between lyrics and melody. At times ethereal lyrics that take the listener on a rollercoaster traveling through the hell of despair, yet like the phoenix, it rises, bringing the mind back to the hope of a better tomorrow. A chorus that sticks in the brain and an excellent guitar solo in the final break. A gem.

"Abradere" – Another intro, this time tense and bristly, before Pogo's "abrasive" voice screams yet another prayer of protest, a scream to awaken minds clouded by a world that tries to blindfold us, while it suffocates and poisons us, leaving us in the darkness of silence. Tight, pounding, and repetitive rhythms in the guitar work keep the tension high throughout the track's duration and empower the focus of the message "I want to see my dreams alive."

"Uomo di porcellana" – A return to origins? Only in appearance. Pure and extreme old-style hardcore at the opening, another punch in the face, but not even time to regain consciousness before the contamination of styles and experimentation begins again. The most complex and elaborate track of the entire work that reveals a shard of more technicism with every listen. The most heterogeneous track of the entire work, where the enormous chameleonic forge of riffs and ideas that lies behind the frail image of Guitar (maybe) hero Renna J, supported by the historic founder of the group Pogo, stands out. Peculiar and heartfelt performance of the ex 2Novembre who manages to express his best qualities in the clean parts.

Overall a good work, an EP that sounds like a warning. A lot of desire, a lot of energy, and a lot of sweat. Not bad as a start, if we want to define it that way for those who, like them, have been putting passion into every note that explodes from the amplifiers for over ten years. Songwriting decidedly mature compared to the beginnings, the sound sounds more technical, precise, curated in every single detail. One can feel the desire to amaze while remaining tied to their roots and beliefs. Now just a big good luck, with the hope that this project can finally spread its wings, gain more confidence in its means, take on an even more distinctive form, and take flight. Perhaps I am biased in the judgment, but a long-time fan cannot set aside the emotional part: What you listen to is what you want, what you listen to is what you are...

Patrizio “the Blizzard” Guastaferro