{"id":10868,"date":"2025-03-21T16:26:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T15:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/?p=10868"},"modified":"2025-11-30T11:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T10:49:31","slug":"imaginaerium-siege","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/cd-recensie\/imaginaerium-siege\/","title":{"rendered":"Imaginaerium \u2013 Siege"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Clive Nolan & Laura Piazzai are the driving forces behind prog project Imaginaerium. Their debut album \u2018The Rise of Medici\u2019 (2022) is a historical concept album that received rave reviews. This 2nd album (due out 4 April) does not tell one story, but \u2018Siege\u2019 connects ancient and modern influences. The 32-page earbook (with 2 CDs and a DVD\/Blue Ray) looks beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The spherical start of \u2018Cry Boudica\u2019 contains a blend of ancient and modern ambience. Laura Piazzai has a clear pronounce , she performs the role of Boudica, queen of the Iceni, who stood up against Roman occupation of Britain. The percussion is calm but stylish, and there are beautiful details in the music. Tempo and volume go up a bit, in the background you can hear the rumble of an revolt. During a rousing section, there are light classical elements in the background. The difference in volume between the rocking and the minimalist part could have been a bit bigger. Just near the end, there are some sampled sounds again. Boudica’s ultimate destiny is unknown; she remains a myth, a spirit of uncompromising rebellion. The sudden end of this opening track is well chosen.
You can hear fear in Laura’s voice in \u2018The Final Redoubt\u2019. For she is surrounded, the enemy is approaching and it is time to retreat back into the fortress. The beautiful, calm percussion is in harmony with the music. This song too has an intriguing, complex composition with various details and twists. The blend of light classical elements and rocking guitar playing is extraordinary. \u2018Footprints\u2019 includes cool bass grooves, rocking guitar playing, and a cappella vocals with reverb. Each song is beautifully composed and sung, Laura sings with inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History remains an inspiration, as can be heard in \u2018To the victor go The Spoils\u2019, in which warriors gather. They come to claim the spoils of their glory – land, wealth, honour, fame\u2026. and for some freedom. The ringing of a church bell and footsteps, is assisted by a touch of singing and music. Again, the turns and blends between the musical instruments\/orchestral elements are extraordinary. The music exudes the atmosphere of antiquity, at the same time the connection to the modern world remains. Laura’s wordless vocals suit it perfectly. There is so much to listen to, while it is nowhere bombastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018Never burn the cakes\u2019 is a duet between Clive Nolan and Laura. This somewhat shorter song is less complex. Its upbeat melody soon sticks in your head. The latter also applies to \u2018The last arrow\u2019. The slightly classic \u2018Deep\u2019 is followed by \u2018Blood Moon\u2019. The instrumental start is mysterious, the low vocals providing a surprising contrast. Sometimes the vocals go against each other, at other times the voices flow beautifully together. Vocals and music remain fairly calm. But\u2026 after the spoken words, the storm is unleashed. Suddenly, tempo and volume are much higher. The storm ends in a slow fade out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there is a bonus CD, which has 9 tracks. Clive’s raw, driven vocals in \u2018The last arrow\u2019 fit in well with the acoustic guitar sounds. The harmony vocals also fit well with it. The different layers of guitar playing come into their own fine.
The instrumental version of \u2018Cry Boudica\u2019 is impressive. The very special melange of instruments of \u2018When my eyes are closed\u2019 is totally different now, but it is certainly convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even without vocals, there remains a lot to listen to in \u2018The Final Redoubt\u2019. Laura’s voice is used as an instrument. The sound of the string instruments in \u2018Deep\u2019 just lacks the warmth and intensity to really touch you. \u2018Footprints\u2019 a different, but recognisable version, closes this full-fledged bonus CD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(85\/100)(Progrock.com Essentials).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media<\/strong>:\u2028
Facebook: Imaginaerium <\/a>
Website: Imaginaerium<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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