G.O.L.E.M. – “Gathering Of the Legendary Elephant Monsters” – 2024
Gathering Of the Legendary Elephant Monsters”, another Italian Progressive Rock Band from the new century originated from Piacenza, they are the natural evolution of G.O.L.E.M.‘s musical vision: to modernize the tradition of a glorious past and create an imaginative sound, rich in references yet unique and unmistakable in its authorial traits. The album is based on tons of old organs, synthesizers, and electric pianos, melded into a boiling cauldron of tube amplifiers, aged woods from Ludwig and Rickenbacker, and dusty electric contraptions dreamt up by engineers on acid. Splitting their time between stage and studio, the group has spent the last two years refining their sound, shaping new ideas with the skill and awareness that only experience can bring. A long collective effort, where each member contributed fundamentally to the creative process, resulted in more complex and intricate tracks confirming and surpassing the group’s characteristic sound, elevating it to a higher level. The richness of the writing, the sophistication of the arrangements, the originality of the sound experiments, the technical prowess of the individuals, and the depth and musicality of the lyrics are the elements that stand out when listening to the six tracks on the second album, “Gathering Of the Legendary Elephant Monsters”. The line-up is: Paolo Apollo Negri – organ and synthesizers; Emil Quattrini – electric pianos and Mellotron; Marco Zammati – electric bass; Francesco Lupi – drums, and Marco Vincini – vocals.

Hailing from Connecticut, After the Fall has been around since the late 1980s. Their first lineup consisted of Mark Benson – vocals, guitars; Ken Archer – keyboards; Jeff Brewer – bass; and Rich Kornacki – drums, percussion. After the Fall released their first two albums, “The Last Hero” and “Light and Shadows”, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. Unfortunately, these are cassette-only releases and are impossible to find. Their third album, “In a Safe Place”, was released in 1997, and their first two albums were digitally remastered and released in 1997 with the title “Before”. The band plays in an impressive progressive rock style that is predominantly art rock but combines symphonic elements and neo-prog with a smell of prog metal, paying homage to the greats of the past. After the four works, After The Fall is back with an album called “Luna”, released in 2024, but with a new lineup: Mark Alden Benson – vocals, electric & acoustic guitars; Ken Archer – keyboards; Jon Quinn – bass; and Ken Punt – drums. For all fans of long tracks with vocals and lyrics, incredible guitar work, lots of symphonic keyboards, vibrant bass playing, and complex, nimble drum work, After the Fall is the band for your choice.

The first album of the Italian Progressive Rock band Border Hills results from one year of work driven by research and experimentation. The compositions are inspired by the style and some works of the Spanish painter Francisco Goya, recreating images and compositions reminiscent of his paintings, and generating new soundscapes in his style. Border Hills is not just an album filled with stories and fantastic imagery; it is also a collection of real-life experiences and the ongoing search for light beyond the thick fog that makes everything seem darker. Border Hills is a trio with relatively diverse influences, including Progressive Rock, Alternative, Folk, Celtic, and Cinematic music. The composition of the songs and lyrics resulted from a highly satisfying group effort, where each member could freely express their artistic identity and musical influence. Beyond individual technical and compositional skills, the album gained uniqueness and character through various group experiments. The arrangements are built around the main instruments — Guitar, keyboard, and voice — and are further enriched by rhythm, effects, sounds, synthesizers, virtual orchestras, and various other instruments, such as the lap steel guitar. Border Hills is a project born from the need to bring out their musical instincts. The line-up on the bad is Elisa Benedetti on vocals, Simone Cozzetto on guitars, Francesco Proietti on keyboards, and Special Guests: Ivo Di Traglia on Drums, Andrea Zanzarri on bass, Francesco Lo Cascio (Mix and Mastering).