PENTESILEA ROAD (Progressive Metal – Italy) – Album Review of “Pentesilea Road” self-released on February 26, 2021
Review written and submitted by Marian Nicolaou via   Angels PR Worldwide Music Promotion  – thank you!!!

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Pentesilea Road is a post-progressive metal band, from Italy that was formed in 2014 as a one man project by the guitarist Vito F. Mainolfi. In 2020, Vito recruited several musicians to record the band’s debut album, “Pentesilea Road” that was released in 2021. The band’s name is derived from the city of Pentesilea described in Italo Calvino’s book, “Invisible Cities”.

While the record is not a concept album by the strict meaning of the term, it is inspired by Calvino’s book which is used to describe the social decline and displacement in the post-modern era. The philosophical aspect of the record is clearly presented through the lyrics which deserve their own praises. Carefully written they express appropriately the general idea behind the album with a great sense of poetry and a direct and straightforward message.

Before we get to the musical “sector”, in the album appears as guest vocalist in the songs “Noble Art” and “Shade of the Night” the singer of Fates Warning, Ray Alder while in the songs “Memory Corners”, “Spectral Regrowth” and “Give them Space” the amazing drum work is courtesy of Mark Zonder.

Musically the “Pentesilea Road” is great progressive album, the very definition of awesome music craftsmanship. I will almost dare to say, with all due respect and having full consciousness of my words that this record may be the closest thing that will have to a new Fates Warning album-in its own unique way, until they release one in a couple of years. And I am not saying that because Ray Alder’s and Mark Zonder’s appearance.

The compositions are defined by a subtle complexity. They are multilayered and subconsciously you understand that what you are listening to is not just a simple pattern but they are so carefully constructed that is really easy to follow a song from start to finish. Every part has its own distinct feature, a beautiful melody, a steady riff or recurring drum beat with a few fills, a trace that helps the listener to focus upon it while at the same time experiences a great diverse composition.

Pentesilea Road emerge with an excellent, diverse debut. A crossroad of inspirations, from jazz and blues licks to progressive metal to post rock soundscapes, this debut has everything and is a must listening experience.