Sithonia - Confine. 1995 Italy

On the Spettacolo Annullato review, I mentioned that it would be interesting to hear that album with a more modern (and analog) recording. In some ways Confine is that album. Not quite what I would expect from a band today, but at least this effort from 1995 has more heft than its predecessor. Especially surrounding the guitar sound, which when in riffing mode, at least gives off a whiff of true heavy metal. Make no mistake, Sithonia aren't a progressive metal band, but at least if they're going to use a heavier tone, give it a little muscle - and they did. The keyboards are still digital, but are somehow mixed a little further back and the sound is a bit better as a result. On the down side, I don't think Giovannini's vocal performance is as inspired as on Spettacolo Annullato, and the compositions aren't as memorable or as deep. There is no question they manage to capture the spirit of the best themes from their past though it doesn't quite hold as well together. 

Former ownership: CD: 1995 Mellow. Jewel case. Lyric booklet with photos. They probably should have tried for better artwork.

1//96 (first listen); 10/12/11 (review / new entry); 9/10/24 (update)