Prog Radio | Album Review | ''La Fine Non Esiste'' by Semiramis

Album Review

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4.5

Stars

La Fine Non Esiste

Semiramis

554

Italy

Semiramis, an early pioneer of Italian progressive rock, mark a monumental return with "La Fine non Esiste" ("The End Does Not Exist"), more than five decades after their ground-breaking debut, "Dedicato a Frazz." This long-awaited sequel showcases the ingenious blend of tradition and innovation under the leadership of founding member Paolo Faenza (photo below). While Faenza is the sole original member performing on the album, he remained in close communication with former bandmates Maurizio Zarrillo and Giampiero Artegiani throughout the production process, ensuring that the essence of Semiramis is authentically preserved and reflected in this new work.

Despite the absence of Zarrillo and Artegiani from the playing lineup, their spirit and influence permeate the album, contributing to a project that bridges the past and present of Semiramis. The integration of new talents from Rome's progressive rock scene with the band's historic roots results in a sound that is both nostalgic and distinctly contemporary.

The integration of new talents from Rome's progressive rock scene with the band's historic roots results in a sound that is both nostalgic and distinctly contemporary.

"La Fine non Esiste" delves into the depths of modern progressive rock while maintaining the classic Semiramis sound. The album's six tracks, all sung in Italian, feature the band's hallmark blend of flutes, Moog synthesizers, acoustic and electric guitars, vibraphones, and sophisticated keyboard arrangements. This rich musical tapestry pays homage to the band’s early work while exploring new musical landscapes.

Setting it apart from their concept-driven debut, this album presents individual stories through each song, offering a tapestry of narratives that range from the deeply personal to the whimsically fantastical. This narrative diversity is underpinned by complex compositions and dynamic arrangements that shift seamlessly from the ethereal to the intense, showcasing the band's ability to straddle the realms of delicate melodies and the edginess of hard rock, all while retaining the unique Semiramis flair.

Starting on its release date tomorrow, we will be thrilled to play music from this wonderful record on Prog Radio. Look for it to certainly be featured in next week's 'What's New Proggy Cats?' broadcast.

It’s been a long 50 year wait, but glad this follow-up album has finally arrived. If you were a fan of the first album from five decades ago, you will be thrilled to meet this new, yet familiar friend, “La Fine non Esiste.”

4.5 Stars