Only One Black is an emerging Italian Progressive Metal outfit whose members are between 17 and 25 years old. They began by playing Hard Rock and Heavy Metal covers, but after lineup changes and the influence of Progressive Music, they turned toward writing original material. Their debut album, “Set Me Free,” released on October 07, 2025, marks their formal entry into the Prog/Metal arena. “Silver Moon” opens the record by juxtaposing incisive, driving passages with more lyrical, melodic moments. The drumming is energetic and articulate; the vocals deliver power and nuance. The rhythm section is solid, while the guitar provides strong riffs, though at times it could push more toward sharper articulation or bite. Following it, “Moonbeam” reveals a more choral and emphatic side of the band, with frequent tempo changes that enrich the musical narrative. The groove from drums and bass grounds the piece, while extended guitar solos carry the listener onwards in expressive flight. The third track, “Just A Mask,” begins with guitar arpeggios and warm female vocals, before erupting into tightly wrought Progressive Metal. The composition is ambitious: accelerations, double pedal drives, and dynamic bass lines alternate with a voice that moves between melodic clarity and assertive projection. The solo in the second half is emotionally charged but never feels gratuitous. As the title suggests, “Dark” delves into a gloomier realm without relinquishing the Prog edge. A deep, commanding bass underlies soulful vocals that impose character and identity. Midway, an acoustic guitar section surfaces, demonstrating compositional thought and sophistication. Toward the end, a Progressive crescendo brings the piece full circle in a satisfying, dramatic manner. “Without You” is the album’s emotional pivot — a power ballad bearing English title but Italian lyrics. It’s a bold insertion into the tracklist, combining heartfelt vocal lines with a rhythmically dense structure. The crescendo builds naturally. The voice, expressive and resonant, carries the romantic / melancholic lyricism credibly. “Kill Me” ushers in a hybrid of melodic Prog and heavier contours. The progression unfolds as tension builds, inserting heavier transitions and a guitar solo that’s tasteful and well integrated. The final section leans fully into heavier territory with double pedal intensity and decisive riffs. “Beat Of Time” is one of the more adventurous and multifaceted tracks of the album. It opens with a melodic tone, then gradually incorporates heavier and technical elements. Symphonic touches, abrupt shifts, and Groove/Technical Metal blends evoke influences across the spectrum. The transitions are mostly smooth, demonstrating the band’s compositional maturity beyond their years. The album reaches its apex with the “Set Me Free” mini-suite, which unfolds across two parts with the atmospheric interlude “Exist Again” serving as connective tissue. In “Part I,” the band alternates between accessible, almost radio-friendly passages and more intricate, exploratory moments. The chorus is catchy without being reductive, and just when you think the track might settle into a pattern, they surprise the listener with an acceleration or shift that recalls the spirit of old-school Prog Metal. Despite those moments of technical display, the song never abandons emotional weight. Then comes “Exist Again,” a gentle, dreamlike bridge where vocals float over ambient layers and modest orchestrations. It acts as a moment of reflection and tension release, preparing the ground for the suite’s second half. When “Part II” kicks in, the mood shifts decisively heavier. Aggressive riffs, muscular rhythm, and bold vocal lines dominate the landscape. The track is unafraid to weave in complex changes, instrumental interludes, and varied textures. The guitar steps forward in expressive solos, the bass and drums push the momentum, and the vocals navigate both melodic lines and commanding exclamations. Together, the two parts (with the interlude nestled in the middle) encapsulate the band’s creative vision: the unity of accessibility and ambition, of emotion and technicality — leaving the listener wanting more. Only One Black may still be in their formative stage, but “Set Me Free” is a remarkably confident debut. The band shows clear promise, and while some areas can be refined, the foundation is strong:
Drums: Luca Ferrero’s performance is precise, dynamic, and stylish — powerful yet never chaotic. His sense of control behind the kit gives the music momentum and shape.
Guitars: Leonardo Piermaria and Davide Moretti craft a strong dual-guitar language, alternating heavy riffing with expressive solos. Their phrasing occasionally hints at influences from both classic and modern Prog Metal schools.
Bass: Leonardo Capriotti provides solidity and depth, with lines that enhance the groove and occasionally emerge with melodic purpose.
Vocals: Camilla Sedda is undoubtedly one of the band’s defining elements. Her voice moves gracefully between strength and melody, giving each song an emotional dimension that sets the group apart.
This is not a “good for a young band” record — it’s a genuinely interesting album in its own right. While not flawless, “Set Me Free” contains moments that “smack you awake.” With continued growth — especially in tonal aggressiveness (guitar edge, dynamic variance) and further compositional polish — Only One Black appears positioned to make waves in the Progressive Metal scene in Italy and beyond.
Tracklist
01. Silver Moon (03:02)
02. Moonbeam (03:45)
03. Just A Mask (05:32)
04. Dark (05:32)
05. Without You (05:44)
06. Kill Me (04:39)
07. Beat Of Time (05:29)
08. Set Me Free Pt. I (06:16)
09. Exist Again (01:29)
10. Set Me Free Pt. II (06:07)
Lineup
Leonardo Piermaria / Guitar
Davide Moretti / Guitar
Leonardo Capriotti / Bass
Luca Ferrero / Drums
Camilla Sedda / Vocals