There are some real interesting retro sounds coming out of Italy these days, and this new one from Abiogenesi only adds more fuel to the fire. This band plays complex hard rock with loud guitars and a rock solid rhythm section, plus adds vintage 70’s keyboards like Hammond organ and Mellotron. While this may sound a bit similar to Black Widow label-mates Standarte, Abiogenesi favor a much heavier and less “proggy” style than that band. Consider what the bastard son of Djam Karet, King Crimson, and P.F. M would sound like and you have somewhat of an idea.
Whoever thought of the idea to get original Black Widow flute/keyboard player Clive Jones to guest on the opening and closing tracks might have been on to something, but I’m not sure it worked in the end result. Black Widow’s sound on their classic albums from the early 70’s really has nothing in common with Abiogenesi, and having Jones sing his creepy and foreboding message to start off and end the CD really has nothing to do with the rest of the songs in between. Not that I mind seeing a return to music from someone from Black Widow, but I think a more fitting project where Jones’ guest appearance made sense would have been wiser.
The rest of the tunes on this CD are serviceable guitar based numbers, at times slightly complex, but in many spots a bit monotonous. Thank goodness for the excellent keyboard work by Marco Cimino, who adds the right amount of flair to most of the tracks. Toni D’Urso is a fine guitar player who excels at wild wah-wah drenched solos and meaty, complex riffs. Unfortunately some of the arrangements are rather tedious and lack variety. Still, there are many moments of near brilliance contained in these grooves where the band really gels with some catchy passages, strong vocals, and ripping playing that make it all worth while. Maybe next time with better production and tighter songs Abiogenesi will be ready to move on to the next level.
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