Album Review: Infinite Rising – Awakening (Self Released)

The Italian prog-trio Infinite Rising, Federico Albanese (Novembre’s guitarist) on guitar, Silvia Pistolesi (Hellucination) on bass and Alessandro Formichi (Coexistence) on drums, have released their first album ‘Awakening’.

Perfecting what it means to be prog and to utilise every instrument, Infinite Rising are about to become a much better-known name based off the quality of this debut release. A substantial offering of instrumental progressive rock, that comes tinged with metal influences. It fascinates from the moment Nocturnal Skywatchers exposes its complexities, delivering something that is quite dreamy sounding.

Guitar, bass, and drums working in perfect harmony together, but each taking turns to create technical twists on prog-based expectations. A good example of that is the fact that things get a fair bit wilder and heavier with Cosmic Sunset and Perpetual Mood has a sparky, choppy, bass-heavy, and melody drive. Infinite Rising have proven, with half the album done, to be a band well worth taking note of.

How about Orbital Inclination though? Arguably the album’s strongest track because of how creatively progressive and infectiously clever it is. Infinite Rising formidable heavier side dominating for a darker edge, aided by cinematic tones in the background. If there is one track a listener can truly head-bang to, it is this.

Though, taking first place for pure progressive wonder, it’s Eternal. The longest track on the album by some distance, this is Infinite Rising at their bravest. Showcasing an eclectic and emphatic approach to progressive rock that fully captures the imagination. It’s an imposing listen that oozes extravagance, but never comes across self-serving. This level of epic-ness fits just as well on this album as anything else.

Seemingly aware that they could have exhausted the listener, Infinite Rising change the tone by making a piano a focal point of the finale of Emotion Galaxy. A contender for the most beautiful and emotionally-charged track of all. It’s a phenomenal ending to an album that delights from beginning to end.

Infinite Rising – Awakening Track Listing:

1. Nocturnal Skywatchers (Feat. Giulio Ascoli)
2. Cosmic Sunset
3. Perpetual Mood
4. Orbital Inclination (Feat. Giulio Ascoli)
5. Eternal (Feat. Francesco Fareri & Giulio Ascoli)
6. Emotion Galaxy (Feat. Dario Tartagni)

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