Review published in Gothic Paradise, about our album “Vitae Proelium”.
Vitae Proelium – Review
To say I was excited when I heard of a new album from this project would be an understatement. So many tracks from Itineris I have created a longing for more great music from these artists and so it’s great to finally have that longing satisfied. With thirteen captivating tracks, this album is yet another great masterpiece for the neo-classical music fan.
I think I could sum up this review and this album in about a single sentence, or maybe even just a couple of words: simply beautiful. Well, it really is so much more than that and the compositions are much more complex as well. However I have a soft spot for a great mix of piano, cello, oboe and subtle layered ambient synths all serving as a back-drop to beautifully, haunting vocals. As a musician, particularly a pianist, having performed alongside the cello and oboe on occasion, hearing each of these instruments come out so well on these compositions is really captivating. It’s nice to just sit back and listen, soaking it all in as note after note and wave after wave of emotionally spellbinding music wafts over you, as a warm mist or fresh breath of air, revitalizing the soul through the grandeur and beauty of it all.
For those that enjoyed the dynamic, neo-classical tracks from the first album, there’s plenty here as they build on their solid foundation. The album starts with a slightly new twist on “Windtro” which is a sort of play on the word with the wind instruments of the flute and oboe taking center stage for this introductory track. The dynamic nature of this album shines forther across the entire span as piece by piece we’re presented with varying degrees of intensity and various styles. It all comes together in the powerful title track “Vitae Proelium” with a heavy, processional percussion setting the rhythm while a duo of vocals and synthesized chorus form the web of layers as the organic flute, oboe and cello bring it all together. This slightly heavier, more intense style comes alive on a few pieces, the most intense of which is appropriately named “Inner Chaos”. This instrumental piece showcases Olga’s excellent talent on the piano while the instruments create a nice backdrop adding more breadth and depth to it all. Other pieces come together in like manner such as “Amissi” in a slightly slower and somber mood as well as the more intense piece “Lautir” which comes out as something more of a soundtrack to an epic fantasy adventure movie.
While these are all great pieces and enjoyable, my heart and sould remain captivated by the softer, more classically oriented pieces from these artists. The angelic vocals over the softer, dreamier music is spellbending and mesmerizing. The first of these on the album appears in the form of “El Cantar de las Hojas”. On their debut album “Encontrarte” was the dreamiest of pieces and it seems they’ve realized this and capitalized on the beauty of that structure and we’re presented with a number of excellent selections on this album of similar style. “Dances of the Soul” finds itself somewhere in between the two worlds, haunting and intense, yet beautiful and alluring with the piano making the heart race while the background ambient soundscapes hold the listener entranced. Also breaking the mold slightly is the wilting fairy tune “Arevaci” that inspires a lighthearted, elf or fairy dance from some other fantasy world. The lilting waltz is bolstered and anchored by heavy percussion and deep cello while the dreamy flute and oboe keep it moving along in that buoyant, lively nature. As the album comes to a close we’re treated with “Un Lugar” with more of the soft haunting vocals in spanish and with that madrile�o accent that is like sugar to the ears to someone accustomed to it, yet not around it much when living on the west coast of the United States. The album wraps up with two more beautiful pieces, “Quimera” which is another intense, yet beautiful instrumental that gives way to “Omnis in Anima Manent”. This finale to the album presents us with soft, somber piano and beautiful, soft soprano operatic vocals, a truly spellbinding combination and great way to wrap up the album.
These talented artists have truly out-done themselves and shown they have a solid foundation to build on and plenty of creativity and talent to grow with. As I began this review, it can easily be summed up as simply beautiful. Enjoy!
Rating: 5/5