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La Stanza delle Maschere — La Stanza delle Maschere
(Black Widow BWR 232, 2020, CD / LP / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2023-02-10

La Stanza delle Maschere Cover art

La Stanza delle Maschere (Italian for The Room of Masks) is an Italian doom metal / horror rock band from Milan, formed in 2015 with members Domenico “The Psychic” Lotito (electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and synths), Angelo “Blood” Sposito (narration and chorus), Tiziana Radis (lead vocals and chorus), Roby Tav (keyboards), David Garagnano (drums), and guest Alexander Scardavian (lead guitar on “Milano/Calibro 9”). Immersing itself in Italian horror and gore, this theatrical and somewhat pretentious band takes you on a visceral journey through their dark musical realms, honoring Italian horror film makers Lucio Fulci, Fernando di Leo, and Dario Argento. The music is primarily cinematic black metal progressive instrumentals with “Blood” providing narrations, Tiziana providing vocals (Italian lyrics and wordless singing) and tortured sobbing, and both of them providing demonic laughter and whispers. This is one disconcerting and creepy album that would be perfect for Halloween. For some odd reason the track “La Casa delle Finestre che Ridono” or “The House of the Laughing Windows,” with its gothic power guitar chords and heavy narration reminds me of all things, Amon Düül II’s “Deutsch Nepal.” The title track closes the album and is especially nightmarish with its intro of footsteps and the metal door slamming to lock a woman in the torture chamber. If you are a fan of 70s Italian prog bands such as the theatrical Osanna or the horror film soundtracks of Goblin, you may find this contemporary fusion of prog and doom metal of interest. But prepare yourself for torment and a hellish ride.


Filed under: New releases, 2020 releases

Related artist(s): La Stanza delle Maschere

 

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