Album Review: Teramaze – Sorella Minore (Wells Music)

Teramaze are Australia’s premier progressive rock band, fronted by guitarist and band founder Dean Wells, alongside Chris Zoupa, Andrew Cameron and Nick Ross. They have been at the forefront of the progressive rock/metal scene in Australia for some time. The band saw great success and recognition after the release of critically acclaimed 2015 concept album ‘Her Halo’.

Now in 2021, 6 years later, Teramaze are set to deliver their most ambitious body of work to date. “Sorella Minore” is the 2nd instalment of the “Her Halo” saga and it continues the tumultuous story of 2 sisters. Soon after her older sister’s death in a suspicious accident, the younger sister is kidnapped and locked away from the outside world. Held captive, in a desolate castle tower, her only company is the man who will decide her fate, The Tyrant. He tells her she will soon be forcibly betrothed to him by the foul beast he calls “father”. Her only hope is to convince The Tyrant to not be swayed by his father’s riches and power, to defy his demonic will and help her escape.

“Sorella Minore” features 4 main vocalists, all hailing from Australia – including Dean Wells, Nathan Peachey, Silvio Massaro (Vanishing Point) & Jennifer Borg (Divine Ascension). Each vocalist added their own depth and unique flavours to each character in this instalment of the “Her Halo” story.

If you want some small idea of just how gigantic in scope this release is, simply look at the length of the title and first track on this album. Nearly 26 minutes long, to merely call Sorella Minore an epic in no way accurately describes the wealth of imagination and skill involved in putting it together.

This is progressive story-telling on a level way above most others. Packed with deeply detailed and elaborate instrumentation backed up by an exceedingly talented group of vocalists. It’s a stunning track that is split into segments but not in an obvious way, each flowing from one to another and back and forth with such ease. From minute 1 to minute 25, it will leave you mouth agape.

It’s almost a shame that there are three other tracks as you’ll need time to fully absorb just what occurred on the title track. Still, there are three more and while they don’t have the same level of extravagant story-telling they are still superb listens. Stone; mellow, heartfelt and exuding passion. Take Your Shot; energetic and animated with pop sensibilities even with the heavier guitar groove. Between These Shadows; A light and airy rock ballad to wrap things up in a positive way.

It all comes back to the title track though. Even as the album comes to an end, thoughts remain on that opener. The desire to hit play again is so strong. It’s an investment listen but one that is paid off to such a satisfying degree.

Teramaze – Sorella Minore Full Track Listing:

1. Sorella Minore
2. Stone
3. Take Your Shot
4. Between These Shadows

Links

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