Detailed Reviews [Il Paradiso degli Orchi - 2016 - "Il Corponauta"]

Prolusion. Italian band Il Paradiso Degli Orchi have a history that goes back a decade and a bit, with three full length studio albums to their names at this point. The album "Il Corponauta" is their second studio album, dates back to 2016 and was released through renowned Italian label AMS Records.

Analysis. Retro-oriented progressive rock is the specialty of this Italian band, and they have a go at the style in a manner that is somewhat typical for bands from this region of Europe - to explore the style in a more inclusive manner incorporating elements from many different variations of the main style rather than to focus on a specific subset of the genre. In this case this means we get a band that use symphonic progressive rock and progressive folk music as the two main engines of their compositions, but doesn't stick to merely these two driving forces. The majority of the material employ the best of both of these orientations of course, with pastoral, romantic passages, dreamladen floating landscapes as well as more powerful, majestic and haunting sequences all appearing frequently and with ease. The more expressive impulses of jazzrock and the harder and tighter aspects of heavy progressive rock is brought into play here too, expanding the expressive character and depth of the material respectively, and we also get some songs that hones in on darker and more haunting moods and atmospheres to boot. That a bit of theatrical swagger comes with the territory here probably merits a mention as well, even if perhaps a bit more understated here than what some might expect. Hand in hand with that are songs that have a bit more of an off kilter touch to them, at times arguably with a slight avant streak brought into the proceedings in a subtle and minor manner.

Conclusion. Il Paradiso Degli Orchi is a band that create music that is easy to like and enjoy. They mix and blend facets from several different aspects of progressive rock, and do so in an engaging manner that fills the needs of the heart and the soul as well as the brain. With easygoing and beautiful passages, harder and energetic driven sequences as well as the darker, brooding and haunting ones being present as well. A solid album, well planned and well executed, and a production that should be a sheer joy to explore for many with a taste for retro-oriented progressive rock and symphonic progressive rock.

Progmessor: February 2022
The Rating Room