RAVEN SAD is an Italian Progressive Rock band, formed in 2005. With the advent of their third album, their sound shifted to Progressive Rock. A new line-up took shape in 2017, and they now present their fourth album here, titled "The Leaf and the Wing," which contains eight new tracks.

"Legend #1" leads off the album. It's a short, one-minute instrumental, that sounds like someone is sitting on their porch, pouring a soda. The melody that follows is gorgeous, but short lived. "The Sadness of the Raven" is close to ten-minutes in length, opening with charming clean guitars and a bass line that moves all over the place. It's a bit of a melancholy song, especially in the vocals, which are harmonized at times. "City Lights and Desert Dark" opens with a little more sonority, but still has those melancholy tones. As we approach the half-way mark, they jam a bit, and those Progressive elements come out with some alluring melodies. The guitar solo gently weeps, and climbs to a crescendo, reminiscent of PINK FLOYD for me.

"Colorbox" is the longest on the album, clocking in at over 13-minutes in length. It begins with piano and vocals. "Wake up" he croons several times. Guitar, bass and drums the join in, along with keys. Fransesco is great on the kit, employing several different techniques, while Gabriele stretches out a bit on the vocals. He is quite emotive. Approaching the half-way mark, we get some lead guitar notes, with dancing bass notes. After the half-way mark, we get some spoken words from the Apollo 13 space mission. The song changes to some moving positive tone afterwards. These guys have a special way with melody for sure.

"Approaching the Chaos" is a bit shorter. It begins with tense guitar tones, and some light, steady drumsticks on the cymbals. What follows is a big, powerful guitar riff. Piano notes mix in along with some ominous chants. A powerful melody line is presented, and it gets stuck in your head. You almost want to sing it aloud. The instrumental comes to a close with a beautiful guitar solo. "Ride the Tempest" is another long song, at 12-minutes in length. It begins with just piano and voice. The rest of the gang joins in and there is a crescendo of sound just after the three-minute mark. The sound drops again, to sadder, more introspective tones. It then turns a bit angry, with a slow and rugged guitar riff. Coming to close, strings and piano take it to completion.

"Absolution Trial" opens full on with melody, with the chorus leading the way. Sad and lamenting, it tugs at your sense of despair, but also has some hopeful tones. I suppose that is the very definition of absolution. It takes a turn after the half-way mark, with some more dancing bass notes and a keyboard solo, closing on an emotional discharge. "Legend #2" closes the album. It's five minutes of absolutely beautiful music, with each instrument playing a role in that wonderful melody.

The bevy of emotions that the album runs you through it the key to its success...at times thoughtful and introspective, while other times moments of anger and despair come through. A strong sense of songwriting and melody hold it all together. Each member of the band contributes equally here, creating a well-balanced album. You won't find much in the way of technical wankery, because the band prefers their songwriting to be at the forefront of the album. Although, each member is more than capable at their instrument.