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Nuova Era — 20.000 Leghe sotto i Mari
(AMS 349, 2025, CD / LP / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2025-06-19

20.000 Leghe sotto i Mari Cover art

Nuova Era is a long-lived Italian progressive band from Florence, though not very prolific. The band began in the late 80s and released four albums between 1988 and 1996 that are still considered essential for Italian progressive rock fans. Then after a 20 year break they released their fifth album Return to the Castle in 2016. Now nine years later, Nuova Era returns with their sixth album, 20.000 Leghe sotto i Mari. This amazing and ambitious concept album setting Jules Verne’s classic tale to music was well worth the wait. Released on blue vinyl and CD, 20.000 Leghe sotto i Mari is a 36-minute suite that pulls together the best elements of Italian progressive rock. In addition, the CD edition includes a sixteen minute track, “Nautilus,” written by keyboardist Walter Pini when he was seventeen, but never released. The suite encompasses every aspect of Italian progressive rock that made it such a popular musical genre: complexity, continuous and unpredictable harmonies, rhythmic and melodic mood shifts, lush Mellotron and organ passages, and inspired electric guitar excursions. The result is an album that clearly sounds modern, while at the same time could well be mistaken for one of the majestic symphonic prog albums from the 70s. Like all excellent music, 20.000 Leghe sotto i Mari will transport you to another realm. And “Nautilus” continues this musical journey with Captain Nemo under the sea. The music is mysterious, strong, and engaging with a hint of Mike Oldfield’s layering of instruments. “Nautilus” hits on all the right stuff for an outstanding listening experience. The band line-up remains the same as on 2016’s Return to the Castle:  Walter Pini (keyboards), Alex Camaiti (guitar), Rudy Greco (bass), and Maurizio Marra (drums). 20.000 Leghe sotto i Mari is an unexpected and surprising comeback, with a truly an unmissable record!

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Nuova Era

More info
http://nuovaera-ams.bandcamp.com/album/20000-leghe-sotto-i-mari

 

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