Tenebra are an Italian quartet offering Stoner and Psychedelic Blues sounds with retro references and a modern twist. Their second album “Moongazer” was released on April 29, 2022 via New Heavy Sounds and contains 9 tracks of medium length. Opener “Heavy Crusher” immerses us in the band’s sound with solid guitar riffs, a gritty rhythm section and powerful, dynamic vocals. An explosive track, with good guitar work, well-constructed tempo changes, a good choice to open the album. Another explosive track “Cracked Path,” which was released early on an EP, shows a heavier facet of the band’s sound. The vocals are energetic, an added value for the band, while the rhythm section is solid and the guitar work is well developed. In the second part, an instrumental section with heavy psych traits highlights the guitar, then the vocals return and close. “Black Lace” presents more atmospheric traits, with heavy, sombre riffs, incorporating some keyboard interlacing. The tempo changes are an added value to the song, allowing the band’s energy to be unleashed while maintaining a slower rhythm and more dilated textures. The vocal part also puts its dynamism at the service of the song, being powerful and versatile. The ’60s-70s influences are most pronounced in “Carry My Load,” especially in the sophisticated and engaging guitar work. The riffs are well constructed, the rhythm section elaborate and enriched by the tempo changes, while the vocals interpret the lyrics with intensity and dynamism, without ever losing their powerful attitude. In the final part, the band concludes the song by accelerating and showing high-level technique and ideas. Changing musical direction, “Winds Of Change” presents a sound steeped in Southern Rock, slide guitars and a touch of acid. After a first part characterised by mid-tempo drumming, it evolves into a more heavy sound, enriched by tempo changes and fine guitar work. In the finale, the initial theme returns and the song closes, excellent work. With “Stranded,” the band returns to heavy sounds, with a dark imprint in the opening, and then develops into a solid track with retro influences revisited in a personal key. The atmospheres are occult, the vocals are energetic and engaging, the guitar work is very interesting, while the rhythm section is gritty and elaborate with a killer bassline. In the second half they accelerate with a change and offer a crescendo ending. The album’s longest track “Space Child” is an energetic Heavy Psych track with Blues overtones and a melancholic touch. The vocals are fine and interpret the lyrics with pathos, while the sound is enriched by tempo changes evolving the central theme of the track. In the finale, the band surprises us first with a passage with a Sabbath-style riff, and with an unexpected and very refined solo in the finale between guitar and sax played by Giorgio Trombino. The band’s retro traits emerge in “Dark And Distant Sky,” where the rhythm section and guitar work make the most of individual ideas and technique. The band skilfully presents the cultural background of the masters of the past with a personal touch. The vocals are enriched with effects while remaining very dynamic and expressive, while in the middle part of the song the band offers a short instrumental section with Prog tinges. In the finale, the vocal returns and the song closes in a musical crescendo between Heavy Psych and Blues Rock. The closing track “Moon Maiden” opens with a slow, hypnotic bass line intertwined with synth. With a change, the track develops between Heavy Rock, pulled and energetic with fine guitar work and changes. In the track there is also room for a solo by Gary Lee Conner, who participates as a guest on the album. A solid album and a band with clear ideas and quality, proposing the influences of past masters in a modern and distinctly personal key. A granitic rhythm section, fine guitar work offering well-constructed and involving riffs, and a vocalist who is always very dynamic and energetic, a real added value for the band. A recommended listen for all lovers of Rock sounds with Heavy and Psych traits that intertwine to form the band’s personal and original style, and give life to this excellent album.
Tracklist
01. Heavy Crusher (03:06)
02. Cracked Path (04:31)
03. Black Lace (04:53)
04. Carry My Load (04:45)
05. Winds Of Change (04:33)
06. Stranded (03:49)
07. Space Child (05:21)
08. Dark And Distant Sky (04:35)
09. Moon Maiden (05:17)
Lineup
Silvia Feninno / Vocals
Emilio Torreggiani / Guitars
Claudio Troise / Bass
Claudio “Mesca” Collina / Drums