In 2021 I reviewed the eponymous debut album (see review) of the Italian prog metal band Pentesilea Road and now four years later they return with their sophomore album called Sonnets From The Drowsiness. Founder and guitarist Vito Mainolfi has changed the line up of the band, as Michele Guailtoli (vocals) and Ezio Di leso (keys) stayed, while Giovanni Montessano (bass guitar) and Alfonso Mocerino (drums) are new to the Pentesilea Road fold. Sonnets From The Drowsiness features eighteen tracks divided over two discs, clocking in over one hundred minutes and so it is indeed a long listen. The sound of this Italian band is a mix of prog metal and prog rock, sometimes reminding me of bands like VandenPlas and Evergrey, but also of bands like Pendragon, Fates Warning and even Queensr˙che. For me, the instrumental tracks Ode To The Reflective Mind, Mare Nostrum and A Relentless Elegy Of Laziness - great title by the way - are the true highlights of this album, as they feature absolutely wonderful guitar solos and amazing keyboard solos. However, the vocals of Michele Guaitoli (Visions Of Atlantis) are not always that impressive, as they sometimes sound too dramatic and even mediocre compared to the high musical level of the rest of the band. Take for example the song Grave New World where the vocals are really, at least in my humble opinion, way too dramatic. Another point of criticism could be the fact that this album is really too long as some of the songs are really a bit too stretched out to fully keep on enjoying them.... But, do not get me wrong, Sonnets From The Drowsiness - what a "weird" title by the way - is a true prog metal/rock celebration, melodic, versatile, diverse and packed with excellent guitar work; so if you liked PR's debut album then you might want to "grab" this one as well! Listening tip: Mare Nostrum. ***+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
