Procession ~ Italy

Frontiera (1972)

Procession's debut is one of those albums that help define what Italian progressive rock sounds like. Dynamic changes from acoustic guitar ballads with passionate singing to brutal hard rock, oftentimes within a few seconds. Histrionic vocals, dual guitars, occasional mellotron, ADHD rhythm section. Not that dissimilar from label mates Quella Vecchia Locanda minus the extended instrument palette. Most of these groups, had they come around 20 years later, would have likely been part of the prog metal movement. There's plenty of riffing and creativity to go around.

File next to other 1972 Italian heavy prog stalwarts like Il Rovescio Della Medaglia, Osanna, J.E.T., Raccomandata Ricevuto Ritorno, Jumbo, Garybaldi, Osage Tribe, and many others. If you're into the scene, you'll want this title too.

Ownership: 2009 Belle Antique (CD). Gatefold papersleeve. Comes with the "suitcase" handles that are usually missing on the original LP. Oddly it appears none of the LP reissues include the handles either. Acquired in 2010.

First copy: 1993 Vinyl Magic (CD). Acquired in 1995.

1995; 6/13/07; 4//10; 8/7/26 (review)

Also own: Fiaba

8/7/26 (new entry)