The Chandrasekhar Limit (Galileo Records GLR112CD, 2013)
The Chandrasekhar Limit by Swiss band Zenit was one of the best European progressive rock releases in 2013.
Zenit play superb symphonic progressive rock with excursions into fusion and world music. The vocalist, Lorenzo Sonognini, sounds much like Fish. The instrumentalists are highly skilled and present outstanding guitar and keyboard solos as well as creative drum parts and bass lines throughout the album.
Highlights include the opening track, Awaken, a piece that sounds like Fish on vocals with Tony Banks-style keyboards and David Gilmour-inspired guitar work; ‘Matrimandir’, where the band delivers a fabulous mix of progressive rock, Indian influences (including Sanskrit lyrics) and jazz-rock passages that take you the wonderful world of the Canterbury school. Another high point is the instrumental piece ‘Pulsar’ that combines straight-ahead progressive rock with a charming, yet quirky sound similar to Canterbury bands.
The last track is a 25-minute piece titled ‘The Daydream Suite.’ The first section has a gentle progressive-era Genesis feel that grows in intensity and is interspersed with instrumental passages featuring soaring guitars, cathedral organs, and epic finale as you would expect.
The lineup features Lorenzo Sonognini on vocals and acoustic guitars; Luigi Biamino on guitars and backing vocals; Ivo Bernasconi on keyboards; Andy Thommen on bass and backing vocals; and Gabriele Schira on drums & percussion.
Guests include Stefano Zaccagni on saxophone; and Asia Thommen, Diana Bernasconi, Maria Scandella, and Ilaria Widmer on backing vocals
Zenit was formed in Switzerland in 1998 by bass player Andy Thommen (Clepsydra), keyboard player Ivo Bernasconi (Brainstorm, Clepsydra) and drummer Gigio Pedruzzi (Changes, Clepsydra).
The band released its debut album, Pavritti, in 2001. The second release, titled Surrender, came out in 2006.
The Chandrasekhar Limit is an exceptionally good album by one of the most talented Swiss progressive rock bands.