MARBLE are back! The Melodic Metal and from Northern Italy will present their new opera, the following to 2008 "A.t.G.o.d." (Y Records/Warner) and the 2010 self-titled EP. The new album, titled "s.a.v.e," will present a lyrical connection between the songs, focused on the three theological virtues and the seven deadly sins. The new members, Eleonora Travaglinoon vocals and Norman Ceriotti along with founders Paul Beretta, Omar Gornati on guitars, Daniel Fleba on bass and Jacopo Marchesi on keyboards, will blend both melody and aggressiveness into a mix of melodic choruses, heavy guitar, technical rhythms and keyboard harmonies. The album contains eleven tracks.

"Mine" opens the album. It begins with soft piano and string, leading to a heavy riff and female vocals. The riffs are just a little too simple, and the vocals are a bit thin. The harmonies help somewhat. "Heartless Disease" opens with strong keys, that play nicely with the guitars. The key solo and acoustic guitars that follow are a nice touch, together with those heavier guitar riffs. "Silver Coins" features some harsh vocals that really don't mix very well with the sound here. They are super guttural and just sound out of place with the female cleans. The chorus is nice however...so far the song is hit or miss.

"My Mask Collection" opens with some Progressive elements in the guitar work. It slows in the chorus, where the sound thickens, and then drops to acoustic guitars, with the distorted guitars in the beginning making a comeback. "Which Leads us to" begins with a slow pace and some lead guitar notes. Norman Ceriotti is actually quite good behind the kit. Again, it's in the chorus where they album really shines. They need to find a way to make stronger connections from verse to chorus. "To Feed the Worms" begins with a faster and heavier riff, and the band showcasing some talent. At this point I can say honestly that I do not care for the vocalist. Or maybe it's the key she sings in at some points, because she is talented.

"A Darker Shade of Me" is a short, two-and-a-half-minute song that is both tender and charming. "Where is the Light" opens with heavy guitars, bass and drums, but the open chords in the verses are unimaginative. The harsh vocals return again, to my chagrin. Once again, the melodious chorus saves much of the song. "Timelines" opens with piano, bass, and lead guitar notes. There is just a bit of an amateur quality to the music here. It's honest, but some of the chord progressions take an odd turn. "Daymare Downs" opens with a strong riff and a well-done keyboard solo. The verses need work again, but they nail another strong chorus.

"Sins and Virtues Ending" closes the album...a short two-minute closer that features some nice bass and lead guitar work. If they could expand this sound, the album would be much better. In many cases, a lot of bands are good at writing verses but fall short in the chorus. This album is the exact opposite of that. It's the verses, transitions, and vocal key that need the most help. The band can write strong choruses, that is for sure. I wouldn't say that the album is a total wash, because it had some strong moments, and it's clear that the band is talented...they just need some better direction in the songwriting.