The band Nuova Era could not have found a more apt name as in my opinion one of the main exponents of the new wave of Progressive Rock that invaded the world in the 1980s. With 7 albums to their credit they have confirmed themselves over the years as one of the best Italian Progressive Rock bands in terms of quality and execution of compositions. The new album “20.000 leghe Sotto I Mari,” was released on February 28, 2025 via AMS Records and contains a long suite over 36 minutes long, freely inspired by the literary masterpiece by French writer Jules Verne. It is divided into eight sections that narrate through intense and sophisticated lyrics the adventures in the depths of the sea. The band’s sound is driven by the keyboard textures of a Walter Pini in splendid form, both compositionally and performing, like the rest of the band, creating refined passages. The elaborate instrumental sections intertwine with the warm and expressive vocal parts, keeping the intensity always very high and enhancing the band’s songwriting. The Progressive Rock proposed in this long track brings classic atmospheres into a fresh and modern context, in line with the new trends of the genre. The band’s experience and maturity are evident, proposing refined compositions and lyrics, evolving the theme of the track through the eight sections that make up the suite. Excellent guitar and keyboard mixtures alternate and intertwine in the solo interventions. The rhythm section is solid and elaborate, rich in tempo changes with deep, load-bearing bass lines and dynamic drumming. Symphonic openings alternate with more elaborate passages with rich keyboard textures, always at the cednter of the project. The instrumental sections prevail over the vocal sections, bringing out all the band’s compositional and performing technique, exploiting the numerous keyboard sounds and developing intense Progressive textures that always leave the listener very involved. In a constant musical crescendo, the band elaborates the song, concluding with solo guitar and keyboard interlacing and incorporating heavier elements into the symphonic sound of the piece. On the CD version there is also a second epic bonus track “Nautilus,” over 16 minutes long, with a granitic Prog sound that combines retro atmospheres with the band’s fresh and modern touch. Solid guitar riffs and intertwining keyboards, fine solo interventions and dynamic and engaging choral singing parts. An excellent track that is sure to please those who buy the CD version, finding another 16 minutes of refined Progressive Rock with that characteristic touch that has made us appreciate the band over the years. In my opinion we are facing a masterpiece of modern Progressive Rock, interpreting Verne‘s novel with quality and refinement. The Progressive Rock proposed by the band brings in a fresh and modern context the classic sounds of the genre, managing to recreate the emotions and pleasant sensations when listening. A long suite that enhances the experience and technique of this band that over the years has become fundamental in the Italian scene and appreciated also abroad. A recommended listen to all lovers of Progressive Rock in general and in particular Italian Progressive Rock, confirming Nuova Era as one of the cornerstones of the modern scene. An absolute masterpiece.
Tracklist
01. 20.000 Leghe Sotto i Mari (36:25)
a) La Partenza
b) La Caccia
c) Smarrimento
d) Capitan Nemo
e) Il Signore delle Acque
f) Mondi Misteriosi
g) Nel Profondo
h) Prigionieri dell’Abisso
02. Nautilus* (16:05)
*CD Bonus Track
Lineup
Walter Pini / Keyboards
Rudi Greco / Bass
Maurizio Marra / Drums
Alex Camaiti / Vocals, Guitars
[…] Vigezzi van Progressive Rock Journal: “The band Nuova Era could not have found a more apt name as in my opinion one of the main […]
Nuova Era is a great progressive Rock band from Italy. RPI at its best.