EVEN FLOW – Mediterraneo (2022)
EVEN FLOW is a melodic progressive metal band from Italy formed in 2000 having released to date two albums and three EP’s to date, shared stages with renowned acts and toured all over Europe, including performances at the Sweden Rock Festival.
Formed by the core of brothers Pietro Lunesu (guitar) and Giorgio (drums), over the years the band have undergone many line-up changes joined by the likes of Mark Zonder (former drummer of Fates Warning), Mike Lepond (bassist for Symphony X), Matt Guillory (keyboardist for James Labrie) and more.
With strong lyrics and emphasis on melody much more present than your typical progressive band, the music of Even Flow new work “Mediterraneo” is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche and even Queen.
Opener “Ocean Lies”, jumps out at you full force, with drums, guitar bass and orchestration filling the air. Current singer Marco Pastorino, from the band Temperance, roars full-throated vocals, “There’s a reason to believe! There’s a reason to go on! You can’t always get what you want. Lost in time”. (Mick Jagger will appreciate that line). The music is stunning and amazing. It roars full bast and keeps the power flowing endlessly.
With ”Ray Of Light”’ we find a much mellower sound than heard previously. Not so mellow that a ballad-like atmosphere rises high in the air, but just enough to cause listeners to tilt their heads backward, closing their eyes and allowing their minds to drift off to a serene and very safe place. Excellent lyrics and powerful Dream Theater – like rhythms with blasting drums and starlight guitar work.
Clocking in at under three minutes in length ”Leaves” is a slow wander with a loved one through a field on a hot summers day – the feeling of a light breeze as soothing as the songs keyboard led mastery. And at only six seconds longer than ‘Leaves’, ‘Revelation Day’ is a heavier hitting stroll of head bang ability. It’s heavy, but very melodic, displaying excellent electric guitar playing, along with those powerful drums, and consistent bass. The piano adds meaningful variety to mix.
The title song adds a Middle Eastern feel as the song gets underway. And then we’re treated to wave after wave of epic and majestic movements, rolling from side to side and rocking from left to right. The swing of ‘Mediterraneo’ (the song) is mesmerising and intoxicating, keeping you fully attentive from start to finish.
The band is offering as well a set of electric/acoustic songs recorded three years ago, recorded with current singer Marco Pastorino, who, by the way, is a real find. A powerful yet very melodic vocalist with a clean register.
With melody as main focus, Even Flow is a really good and different band from the genre with songs crafted in a cracking crescendo of infectious warmth and vibrancy, which are highly addictive. Seriously, Even Flow should be considered as one of the best melodic prog metal bands out there, with a distinctive sound, creative song craftsmanship and proficient musicianship.
Highly Recommended
01 – Ocean Lies
02 – Ray of Light
03 – Leaves
04 – Revelation Day
05 – Mediterraneo
06 – Fly
07 – Ancient Memories
08 – Strong
09 – Sun
10 – Sunrise
Pietro Paolo Lunesu – guitars
Giorgio Lunesu – drums
Marco Pastorino – vocals
Luca Negro – bass
Alessandro Bertoni – keyboards
BUY
www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0BFZFRSNN
