RanestRane: Nosferatu Il Vampiro

RanestRane formed in 1996 in Rome. The band had a unique idea in that they wanted to make a rock opera based on the Werner Herzog movie Nosferatu The Vampire. In 2006, Nosferatu Il Vampiro was released. In other words, one can think of this CD as a new soundtrack for the film. In the band are Daniele Pomo (drums, vocals), Matteo Gennari (bass), Massimo Pomo (guitars) and Riccardo Romano (keyboards). Maurizio Meo has since replaced Matteo Gennari.

Given the dark nature of the original film one expected pretty harrowing and dark music, and at times it is, although I could have used a little more darkness. There are also tranquil and delicate moments, often provided by piano, guitar and smooth sounding vocals. There is melancholy here that fits well with the subject matter. You will also find more upbeat passages that serve to balance out the more morose parts. The disc is filled with interesting soundscapes and the music is well played and executed, with very good musicianship by all band members. Pomo's vocals are in Italian and he has a good command of his voice which is quite pleasing on the ears. With a project such as this one, it would have been more rewarding had I been able to understand the words, as this is such an integral part of a venture like this. Throughout the disc there are spoken word segments to propel the story along. That being said, there are many nice melodies to be found, and the keyboard work by Romano is very good as well as some well placed guitar solos by Massimo Pomo. The percussion and drum work is also well executed, I especially like Pomo's tone.

There are a total of twenty-eight songs spread over both discs and in true rock opera fashion the songs flow together nicely giving the disc a cohesiveness as a whole.

Highlights of disc 1 include the enchanting "Il sogno di Lucy" complete with entrancing sound effects, wistful synths and empassioned vocals, conveying a dreamy effect only to be broken by a piercing scream and the majestic prog of "La locanda nel villaggio degli zingari" with its moving melody and soaring vocals. The tranquil "La montagna" boasts lovely piano and voice as the darkness slowly creeps in, creating a veneer of foreboding that effectively gets the point across. The sweeping prog of "Che giorno maledetto" with it's emotional lead guitar is probably my personal favourite.

Perhaps a little less dark, disc 2 offers more of the same, not venturing very far from the musical themes developed in the first CD, but nonetheless still nice to listen to. Personal favorites include the heavily orchestrated "La nave" with soaring backing vocals and nice guitar parts and the lush sounding "Ritorna", a pure symphonic delight. Also check out the superb drumming in "La morte di Mina", and the dramatic build up of synths and guitar in "Il ritrovamento". The continuing theme in "Via da Wismar" bears a slight resemblance to Everon, especially in the way the orchestration builds up the piece.

This album was a real grower for me as it did not come immediately. This is an intricate piece of music with an underlying subtle beauty that took a while for me to realize. Recommended for symphonic progressive rock fans everywhere and of course those who appreciate a good rock opera.

Track Listing:
AttopRimo
1. Il sogno di Lucy
2. Lucy
3. L'ufficio di Reinfield
4. Passera presto
5. Via da Wismar
6. La locanda nel villaggio degli zingari
7. La montagna
8. Sono quasi arrivato
9. Il castello
10. L'assalto
11. Il risveglio
12. Il contratto
13. Saranno giorni tristi
14. Che giorno maledetto

AttoseCondo
1. La nave
2. Che succede
3. La riunione del Cosiglio
4. Finalmente
5. Ritorna
6. La nozione dell'amore mancato
7. Il diario di Jonathan
8. Adesso so il perche
9. Alla ricerca del Conte
10. Gli ultimi momenti di Wismar
11. La morte di Mina
12. L'ultimo incontro
13. Il ritrovamento
14. Via da Wismar

Added: June 26th 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 3497
Language: english

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