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PAK
Bestial
(2019 - Nefarious Industries - USA )

https://ronanderson.bandcamp.com/album/bestial

PAK can perform some crushing progressive music, along side a few prattle bars, carousel discord, and general conflict. After listening to the years of various incarnations of Ron Anderson and friends, I now understand this band can do anything they put their minds to, and maybe a bit more. As a trio, 'Bestial' is in sublime mode, a darker meeting of Primus, Killing Spree, Massacre, and the likes, blowing up their own version of metallic/skronk/progressive avant-rock, with some added electronic space cadet. And all at once meticulous, irrepressible, and elite. The heavier approach also brings in an explosion of floor shaking episodes, celestial itinerary, and heavy crunch Etron Fou Leloublan, early Present, heavy John Zorn, and PoiL/PinioL world razzle-dazzle.    

Members Steve Blanco (Imperial Triumphant) on bass/synthesizer/voice, and Larry Kwartowitz (Cleric) on drums, help Ron Anderson (guitars/voice), who has been the one constant throughout PAK's existence, to bring all these elements together. With a supernatural atmosphere, horror film possibility, and a set of meteoric rotating dynamics constantly grabbing your attention, the airtight changes occur multiple times. The experience of these musicians shows in a clear-cut way, and the skill level is out of this universe.

'Reflection Consumer' (track 6) will even thrill the doom metal fans, with the first vocals of the platter. It needs to be noted that this song has more development, far better lyrics and voice (than any doom metal I have ever heard), and some great time changes the progressive rock lovers will also be happy about. Perhaps 'prog-doom-avant-metal' would be an appropriate label. The last tune 'Triskaidekaphobia' (track 7) is a 13:31 tour de force (dedicated to Arnold Schoenberg), and may best encapsulate all described here, in one composition. This is a whale of an exit.

'Bestial' is a true joy ride through a heavier climate (than former releases) with celestial envelopes, serving up fat powerful foot on the pedal dizzy spin on a dime ability. This PAK as all their previous releases, is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 5 - 20 - 2019
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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