ARPIA is an Italian progressive rock/metal band that started around 1984. At that time, they used quite a few theatrical elements when they performed, such as mime artists and actors. The band first released the demos De Lusioni (1987) and Resurrezione E Metamorfosi (1988), followed by the three studio albums Liberazione (1995), Terramare (2006) and Racconto D'Inverno (2009). After years without any new studio releases, there is finally a sign of life again with the release of Festa Grande. Festa Grande (meaning "Grand Celebration") is a comprehensive live album released in 2025 as a set of 2 CDs and a DVD. It captures the band's 40th-anniversary concert held on April 13, 2024, at the Teatro Affabulazione in Rome. So, a big celebration indeed! The 24-track performance spans the bands 's entire creative journey from 1984 to 2024, including music from their early demos through to their later studio albums. The concert features the three founding members: Leonardo Bonetti (vocals, bass, synth), Fabio Brait (guitars), and Aldo Orazi (drums). The set includes also previously unreleased songs, some of which herald future projects featuring new singer Valentina Citti. The band are known for their unique approach to the progressive rock genre, where elements from theatre and literature converge with complex musical structures. On this release, the band, takes the listener through their distinctive Italian progressive rock sound, which has evolved over the years into expressive, dynamic, and sometimes poetic compositions. The performance can be described as dark Italian progressive music that shifts between peaceful acoustic sections and aggressive metal elements. The Italian lyrics are often inspired by classic poetry, literature, and cinema. The recording captures an intimate evening featuring a mix of acoustic sets and heavier electric "dark progressive" segments. Highlights from the setlist include early favourites such as Liberazione, Carne Assalto, and Monsieur Verdoux which you all can find on the first disc. The second includes the acoustic suite featuring Racconto Di Primavera and the titular closing track, Festa Grande. Both CDs and DVD are worth listening and watching and have a good audio sound. Furthermore, the good camera settings recorded everything perfectly. So, there is nothing to complain about, as it should be. In summary, you can say that this DVD and double CD document a great live performance in Rome, bringing together the group's rich musical history and announcing new creative chapters. Festa Grande distinguishes itself through the intensity of the performances and the carefully built tension in the music, where the theatrical character of earlier periods combines with the more direct energy of their recent work. This release pays tribute to ARPIA's perseverance and their ability to continue innovating within the progressive rock landscape. ***+ Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
