Profusion: Phersu

Italian band Profusion has been around since the early 2000s and released their first album One Piece Puzzle in 2006. Subsequent line-up changes ensued and the band took six years to come up with their sophomore effort Rewotower in 2012. The band has since stabilized and the same band members play on their third album Phersu released in 2015. The band includes founding members Gionatan Caradonna (keyboards) and Vladimer Sichinava (drums) along with Luca Latini (vocals), Thomas Laguzzi (guitars) and Luca Cambi (bass).

The album is definitely conceptual in nature. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization in Italy and came up with the word 'phersu', which I believe refers to a mask or a façade. The album artwork solidifies the concept containing pictures of a variety of masks, one per song.

The musicianship is excellent throughout these ten tracks as the band zig zag their way through a number styles like fusion, rock, metal, jazz and of course progressive rock. The songs contain a variety of colours due to fabulous keyboards and guitar, varying from softer hues to more intense passages. Another major aspect of Profusion's sound is the lead vocals of Latini. His voice is both restrained and more forceful as in the first track "Snooze" where imaginative guitar riffage and odd time changes combine with catchy riffs and melodies. A pretty cool combination of nice keyboard solos, softer bits with heavier moments, ala prog metal riffing and classic rock sounds. "Free Fall" is another heavier track mixed with moody keyboards and fast guitar riffs. The quieter section features a sublime piano figure with jazzy touches and melodic lead vocals. "Forgetful Hero" begins with a gentle piano motif and subdued lead guitar. Swells of orchestration ensue with the mellower soundscape returning its gentle touch. Lovely lead vocals as well. The vocals soar over the chorus and the riffs are infused with a touch of metal. On the short "Wrinkled Maiden" guest vocalist Anita Rachvelishvili borders on the operatic, especially as the song builds with symphonic intensity. In the multifaceted "Nomen" the band touches on a number of styles like progressive rock and metal loaded with Middle Eastern and folk elements. The melodic and slightly melancholic "Infinite" is a bit softer with some fusion influences and passionate lead vocals while "Masquerade" is much heavier and dramatic with a decided hard rock approach.

Phersu is one of those albums that you need to listen to a few times to get the full effect. It is certainly a grower that needs some time to sink in but when it does there should be plenty of flavours to savour. Another excellent release from Progressive Promotion Records.

Track Listing:
1. Snooze
2. Free Fall
3. Forgotten Hero
4. Wrinkled Maiden
5. Nomen
6. Infinite
7. Masquerade
8. Veteran
9. Vanity Fair
10. Forbidden

Added: January 26th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2156
Language: english

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