ARMONITE “And The Stars Above”

Cleopatra Records, 2018

Music: Progressive Rock

Website: https://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic

Duration: 46:00 minutes (14 tracks)

Country: Italy

When was the last time you heard Neo-Classical. Malmsteen probably? The “modernisation” of genres is an interesting evolution in the current music scene. We have rebooted version of Death Metal with more brutality hence the name “Brutal Death Metal”. So improvisation of certain genres does exist and are actually omnipresent. This is perfectly represented by the new Armonite record which promises Modern Neoclassical Metal with a unique twist.

Armonite is a band whose vision is beyond the boundaries of what we call the “Threshold” of experimentation. The reason why people call it that way is that, if any band happen to surpass it, they often fail and if they get under it – chances are they get called copycats. Armonite is one band who took this risk willingly by experimenting one of the most technical genres with the most debated genre. NeoClassical+Indie Rock+Pop might sound a lot but the wise interpretation of the best bits that these genres has to offer is what made Armonite surpass that Threshold.

Bombarding the Prog-esque riffs with mesmerising cinematic synth notes, Armonite creates a soothing sound that will surely lighten up you mood instantly. Arangement of such instruments sure does need intensive care and needless to say, the duo does possess that skill and their music proves it.

“The sound of this album is more oriented to soundtrack music with textures that feel very immediate. It’s a journey through 12 tracks, starting with ‘The March of the Stars’ inspired by Dante’s Paradise and ending with ‘Ghosts.’ The album also features two bonus tracks — a piece for piano solo, ‘The Fire Dancer,’ and the string quartet, ‘A Playful Day.’ We’re confident this is going to be a great release, with a rather peculiar view. ‘The Sun Is New Each Day’ had a heavy compact sound. And the Stars Above is groovy, with different vibes across a bunch of genres. There’s something indie in this new sound that we’ve never explored before”

That all being said, Armonite is one band to keep an eye on and surely they succeed on mainstream level as they, for sure have succeeded when it comes to the music composition.

Tracklist:

1. The March of the Stars
2. Next Ride
3. District Red
4. Plaza de España
5. Clouds Collide
6. Blue Curaçao
7. By Heart
8. Freaks
9. By the Waters of Babylon
10. The Usual Drink
11. What’s the Rush?
12. Ghosts
13. A Playful Day (for Strings Quartet) (Bonus Track)
14. The Fire Dancer (for Piano Solo) (Bonus Track)

Line-up:

Paolo Fosso: Compositions
Jacopo Bigi: Violin

Rate: 8.5/10