Ezra Winston ~ Italy

Myth of the Chrysavides (1988)

---11/13/09

In the late 1980s, Ezra Winston pioneered the Italian progressive rock renaissance that we still enjoy today. It's not a typical Italian album though, with lyrics in English and the music possesses a distinct UK and Dutch neo progressive sound (Marillion, IQ, and the rest of them). Still, for us fans at the time, it gave us hope that our favorite style of music wasn't dead just yet in progressive rock's most inventive country. It wouldn't be long before other Italian progressive rock bands joined the parade (Nuova Era, Sithonia, Malibran, Tale Cue). Myth of the Chrysavides deserves its place in history.

---10/23/26

A very important album in my collection, it was truly exciting to receive such a work from a country that was long dormant in the progressive rock genre. And sure, it's not the classic Italian prog rock sound. Primarily due to the lack of using the native language. And it also lacks those crazy meter breaks the Italians are known for. In its place is a far more patient and strong melodic work. And while it borrows from the neo prog movement, the album certainly differentiates itself in the overall approach. They're playing the long game here, versus the more succinct and compact British and Dutch scenes.

Ownership: 1988 Ezra Works (LP). Comes with a lyric booklet in both Italian and English. Acquired in 1988.

Though released in the CD age, the album has strangely never been released in that format (legally, that is).

1988; 11/13/09 (review); 10/23/26 (update)

Also own: Ancient Afternoons

10/23/26 (new entry)