Short Reviews [Antonius Rex - 1977 - "Zora"]

Antonio Bartoccetti formed Jacula in 1969, who released two albums before changing their name to Antonius Rex in 1974 and releasing "Neque Semper Arcum Tendit Rex". Apparently, there were issues with the cover and lyrics, so it never really got the full release, which took place with the second album under this name (or the fourth with Bartoccetti at the helm) in 1977, again with complaints about the cover. Apparently, this is a highly collectable album and Black Widow have again made it available, with the original cover (which was replaced after a year) and can be purchased with a 7" etched disc of the song "Gnome" which has appeared on a 1978 version. One of the four songs on the main set, "Morte al Potere" is a reworking of the first track on the debut Jacula album, "U.F.D.E.M." but one must wonder why bother as much of this release gives the impression of style over substance. It is obvious they were influenced by horror but this is Hammer House and not the real deal, and while they do get it together at times with nice Black Widow/Uriah Heep stylings on "Zora" itself, much of this feels heavily fragmented, as if the band were going for a feeling as opposed to any constructed music. It often loses its way, meandering and fragmented and it is not long before on starts to think the collectability is due to the rareness of the original as opposed to the musical quality contained within. Yes, there is plenty here for fans of classic RPI with lots of keyboards and a very gothic feel, but for the mainstream proghead this will probably only be played once or twice and confined to the shelf rarely to darken the player again.