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Three Monks: The Legend of the Holy Circle

Three Monks are an Italian band made up of Paolo "Julius" Lazzeri, on Neogothic organ & synthetizers; Maurizio "Bozorius" Bozzi, on electric bass; Claudio "Ursinius" Cuseri, on drums for tracks 1-2-5; and Roberto "Placidus" Bichi, on drums for tracks 3-6-7.

The Legend of the Holy Circle was re-released in 2013. The Legend of the Holy Circle is a magical trip back in time to the kind of keyboard and synthesizer music made popular by Keith Emerson and the band Emerson, Lake and Palmer. In fact, at times, the opening and title track has melodies that reminded me of Brain Salad Surgery and other great hits from one of prog's best keyboard influenced bands.

The Legend of the Holy Circle is the follow-up album to 2011's debut album Neogothic Progressive Toccatas. The band uses a grand pipe organ and other intricate synthesizers to weave impressive melodies which as a fan of Larry Fast and ELP I simply enjoyed to the fullest. Every track is a wonderful journey of the mind through some intricate organ and synthesizer melodies full of symphonic imagery. The drums and bass are placed perfectly to providfe enough deep textures to offset the high notes.

Sit back and revel in this unique opportunity to emerse yourself in prophetic church organ symphonies without vocals. After all, words would only detract from the music. Thankfully there are still musicians inspired by this form of music still creating. I will anticipate their next album and search out the debut album as well. If you like the keyboards playing a primary role in the music you enjoy, then this album is definitely not to be missed.

Track Listing:

1. The Holy Circle - 7:48
2. Int Mystery - 5:58
3. The Battle of Marduk - 4:48
4. The Rest of the Sacred Swarm - 9:53
5. Rieger - 5:09
6. The Strife of Souls - 10:01
7. Toccata Neogotica n5 - 9:43

Added: May 6th 2014
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/THREEMONKS1
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» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews:

Three Monks: The Legend of the Holy Circle
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2014-05-06 16:38:17
My Score:

Three Monks is an Italian progressive rock band consisting of Paolo "Julius" Lazzeri (neogothic organ, synthesizers) and Maurizio "Bozorius" Bozzi (electric bass). Guesting on the drum kit are Claudio "Ursinius" Cuseri and Roberto "Placidus" Bichi.

The duo released their debut Neogothic Progressive Toccatas in 2010 which brings us to their latest album The Legend of The Holy Circle.

Dramatic keyboard heavy progressive rock is what you will find. I don't mean heavy as in the use of guitars, there are none, but in the dramatic use of the pipe organ. This is a very intense album and as dramatic as any I have heard. If you like keyboard centered bands like Ars Nova or Emerson Lake & Palmer you might want to give this a listen. The players are very good on their chosen instruments but my one complaint is there is not much variation in the music. It is mostly heavy and dense with only the occasional lighter moment. After fifty-three minutes it almost got to be a little much. On the plus side, as mentioned earlier, is the superb playing. Lazzeri has the chops and skill to play with anyone in the business and for that alone this is worth a listen.

I would deem The Legend of the Holy Circle essential for keyboard fans. For the rest of us prog fans it is a very good, if slightly one dimensional album. A Black Widow Records release.



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