Il Tempio Delle Clessidre will appeal to fans of classic, symphonic prog. But this Italian collective boasts a little more incentive than that to seek out its self-titled debut: Vocalist Stefano "Lupo" Galifi — a founding member of the Italian progressive band Museo Rosenbach, whose 1973 album, Zarathustra, has become a cornerstone of the genre — returns to the scene as lead vocalist of Il Tempio Delle Clessidre. In fact, members of this quintet admit that their name was inspired by a short piece on Zarathustra.
Galifi's voice is still rich if a bit weary, and at times he sounds like Roine Stolt. Add to that the vintage vibe of Il Tempio Delle Clessidre — powered by refined keyboards, especially warm Mellotron and Hammond — and you'll find modern-day tendencies toward The Flower Kings. Other influences include Gentle Giant, Genesis and King Crimson (especially on the circus-like "Danza esoterica di Datura"). Il Tempio Delle Clessidre also takes inspiration from fellow countrymen Le Orme, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso and, of course, Museo Rosenbach. But then there's that odd Rush reference in the brief opening instrumental "Verso l'alba."
Galifi may not have written any of these nine songs (10 if you count the CD bonus track), but his presence will be enough to help sell extra copies of this impressive debut, thus introducing new listeners to the next generation of Italian prog.
Track Listing
01. Verso l'Alba
02. Insolita Parte di Me
03. Boccadasse
04. Le Due Metà della Notte
05. La Stanza Nascosta
06. Danza Esoterica di Datura
07. Faldistorium
08. L'Attesa
09. Il Centro Sottile
10. Antidoto Mentale
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