Prometheo – Stupor Mundi Vol. I (2023)
Prometheo, a talented progressive rock band hailing from Bari, Apulia, Italy has released a concept album titled Stupor Mundi Vol. I. The band plays a delightful, finely-crafted and charming form of rock progresivo italiano rooted in the classics from the 1970s. Additionally, the band delights and engages with colorful traditional folk and world music influences. Perhaps my least favorite side of the band is the hard rock moments.
To begin with, Prometheo, burst onto the scene in 2008. They draw inspiration from concept albums, odd times, mythology, and those sweet vintage vibes and instruments of the 1970s and 1980s. Their love for iconic Italian progressive rock bands like PFM, Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso, and Area, as well as international legends such as Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes, and Genesis, fuels their musical journey.
Starting out in local pubs and theaters, they rocked the live venues for quite some time. But as the band evolved, they set their sights on a grand project: creating their first concept album, D’un fuoco rapito, d’un giovane uomo, d’un amore insensato. This album weaves the tale of Prometheus, the Titan who swiped the fire from the Olympic Gods and gifted it to humanity. With 10 epic songs, they blended hard rock, funk, songwriting, classical, and blues, complete with catchy guitar riffs and electrifying unison parts.
With the release of D’un fuoco rapito, d’un giovane uomo, d’un amore insensato, the band hit the road in late 2019, embarking on a thrilling tour across Apulia and the rest of Italy.
In 2021, the band released the album Quello Che Rimane.
Musicians: Ashley Symons on flute, piccolo; Alessandro Memmi on guitars, bouzouki, backing vocals; Alessandro Rana on drums; Francesco Schiavone on bass; Andrea Siano on keyboards, backing vocals; and Andrea Tarquilio on vocals. Guests: Faraualla on vocals; and Shahd Awayed on oud.
Buy Stupor Mundi Vol. I.