I know that it is a bit cliché' as many Metal acts are releasing cover albums at an alarming pace. After hearing what IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA did on "Re-Machined - A Tribute To Deep Purple" - focusing strictly on the "Machine Head" album - I was hoping that when I was contacted about this release from diversified guitarist Pier Gonella, that given the choice to cover this epic album in its entirety, I would truly hear something unique, like when I first experienced "Unarmed" by HELLOWEEN, or just about any cover that CHILDREN OF BODOM or THERION masterfully deliver. Unfortunately, this rendition of "Dark Side Of The Moon" by MUSICART PROJECT does little for my imagination or expectations.

I admit it, I am not a fan of PINK FLOYD, and I really do not know this cult album as well as most, but I figured I would give this eclipse of insane interest a fair chance. Whenever I listen to this flash brick in the wall of time - out of the 70s - or watch that drug addled film, I feel like I should be engaging in some well-needed herbal refreshment in order to expand my awareness, and reach new horizons. Hearing this album sober and sane just does not meld well with my merciless machinations.

Pier Gonella is most known for his work with MASTERCASTLE or LABYRINTH and recently for his faithful guitar contributions to the Italian symphonic act FOGALORD. When being loyal to NECRODEATH, band-mate and bassist Marco "Peso" Pesenti suggested refashioning PINK FLOYD's"Dark Side Of The Moon" with a heavier, and darker edge, allowing for the gorgeous Giorgia Guerglio to haunt the space with her soprano harps, Gonella felt that this would add a new level to the psychedelic phenomena.

Unfortunately, as talented as this lot is, I do not feel they have re-invented the wheel here. In fact, that thrashier and more macabre tone I expected is just not present at all. I was so impressed with what  NECRODEATH accomplished when they paid tribute to their dark passenger past on the retro release "Old Skull" channeling those twisted urges that bands like KREATOR, SODOM, BATHORY, DIAMOND HEAD, BLACK SABBATH, or MOTORHEAD inspired in them.

I was pleased to realize that Claudio Galbiato contributed those haunting backing vocals on songs like "Eclipse" and "Us And Them". I also relish the unseen gossamer threads of sanity as they seek so evocatively when ex-SADIST screamer Zanna duels with reality on "Time". Although, if you want to hear an amazing cover of this, just check out what WRATHCHILD AMERICA did in the 80s on their "Climbin' The Walls" album, or coincidentally what GODSMACK did recently; especially sinceShannon Larkin plays in both bands!

I have heard some killer PINK FLOYD renditions over the years. Nothing tops what VOIVOD does on "Astronomy Domine"; however, that song is not from this particular album. Even LANA LANE and WILLIAM SHATNER, or those mindless monks from GREGORIAN CHANT had better covers with more affectation. Above all, I prefer what both MICHAEL SCHENKER and DREAM THEATER have done with tracks from this album.

That being said, I still respect all what Gonella accomplishes, and had he not valued my honest judgment, this release would have gone by completely unbeknown to me. The tuned down guitars may appeal to some, but the note for note distraction, lack of experimentation, and blank-sided overt nonsense all make this less appealing.

I guess, if I had my druthers, I would rather hear this, then the original. I know, "Blasphemy!" Maybe next time they can take on the Rock Opera "Tommy" by THE WHO, and get on the righteous side of anger and passion while pumping more power and potential into their efforts, something that this bleak endeavor ruefully lacks.