Banco del Mutuo Soccorso – Transiberiana (InsideOut Music, 2019)
One of Italy’s iconic progressive rock bands returns with Transiberiana, its first studio recording in over 20 years. The lineup includes numerous changes. The only original member left is keyboard maestro Vittorio Nocenzi. The venerable band’s style contains familiar classic Italian elements along with innovations and various new influences. The vocals have clearly changed. Banco’s longtime and highly recognizable vocalist Francesco di Giacomo died in 2014. The new vocalist has his own character, less operatic, and does a commendable job.
The keyboards are still the essence of Banco, ranging from mesmerizing orchestrations to superb synths solos. The guitars go way beyond the classic Banco sound. At times, the lead guitarist channels Alan Holdsworth, delivering impeccable, exquisite solos. Regressive prog metal and hard rock appear briefly (thankfully) in the form of some riffs, but most of the guitar work is truly excellent.
Throughout the album, symphonic progressive rock meets furious, cutting edge jazz-rock at times. Highlights incluce the superb fusion piece “L’assalto Dei Lupi,” the lovely “Campi di Fragole”; the mesmerizing “Eterna Transiberiana” that features the best vocals on the album; the delightful keyboard piece “Lasciando Alle Spalle”; and the masterful “Il Grande Bianco.”
The lineup includes Tony D’Alessio on lead vocals; Filippo Marcheggiani on lead guitar; Nicola Di Già on rhythm guitar; Vittorio Nocenzi on piano, keyboards, vocals; Marco Capozi on bass; and Fabio Moresco on drums.
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