WINTERAGE – The Inheritance Of Beauty (2021)
Even as this year begins to look like an even worst version of 2020, there are always opportunities to be transported away to more glittering, grandiose and welcoming realms. Aspiring purveyors of a very Italian strain of symphonic metal, WINTERAGE are about to release their new album “The Inheritance Of Beauty“.
With this CD, WINTERAGE hold their ground amidst their nation’s impressive legacy in the genre and present an opus which is bold, adventurous, and enthralling.
The rich authenticity of “The Inheritance of Beauty” is perhaps its most striking element, particularly in its orchestral presentation. From full choirs pulling back the curtains of opening track “Ouverture” to the dazzling theatrics of “The Amazing Toymaker,” the compositional grace Winterage delivers is second to none.
Such soaring delivery is made possible by not just the virtuosic touch of violinist and songwriter Gabriele Boschi, but by an orchestra composed of more than twenty members supported by additional choirs.
The swelling grandeur of this album is made possible by the sheer dedication required to bring each song to life, matching the resonant heights of the orchestra flawlessly against every metallic edge.
The band’s structural approach to the adventurous nobility of the genre may not be particularly novel, but the commitment to a realization of their creation is what truly draws “The Inheritance of Beauty” apart from the crowd.
“Oblivion Day” and “The Wisdom of Us” are graced by the intensity of the execution, further spurred by the spectacular vocal performance by Daniele Barbarossa. Such bright choruses as that of “Orpheus and Eurydice” mesh well against galloping melodies from guitarist Gianmarco Bambini.
It may be the nature of a band of inveterate storytellers that “The Inheritance Of Beauty” canters enthusiastically towards a big, fat crescendo.
In truth, the album’s last three songs are its best by some margin: “Le Morte Di Venere” is a wonderfully evocative ballad with a broad prog streak, while “Oblivion Day” simply rocks with strong riffs and effective punch.
Then closing epic “The Amazing Toymaker” is so inventive, unpredictable and fit-to-burst with brilliant and bizarre ideas, that listeners may feel slightly cheated that the Italians’ kept their eccentricity entirely under wraps for the preceding 45 minutes. Nonetheless, it’s an admirably over-the-top conclusion to a record that bulges with future promise.
Highly Recommended
01. Ouverture
02. The Inheritance Of Beauty
03. The Wisdom Of Us
04. Of Heroes And Wonders
05. The Mutineers
06. Orpheus And Eurydice
07. Chain Of Heaven
08. La Morte Di Venere
09. Oblivion Day
10. The Amazing Toymaker
Gabriele Boschi – violin, orchestrations
Daniele Barbarossa – vocals
Gianmarco Bambini – guitars
Matteo Serlenga – bass
Luca Ghiglione – drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Inheritance-Beauty-Ltd-Digi-Winterage/dp/B08NDZ3HZJ
