As always, when dealing with a different project from a known musician, one must pay attention that different bands means different musical expressions. It means that one can’t go and create expectations on such experiences, because they’ll fail in 99% of times. And this is the tip when dealing with CINEASTA’s first album, “Cineasta” (a Portuguese word that means ‘film-maker’). The studio works were done by the hands of the Portuguese musician and producer Alexandre Santos. The main idea was to give the album a clean and defined sonority to allow the full experience on the songs to be the best possible. But as it’s a Rock album, it means that distortion is present as well, but in a very good level.

Such words are only to say that things were done in a very good way, indeed, besides the instrumental tunes on the drums could be better. And the guests are German D. playing violins “Serenity” and “Illuminate”, Darrel Treece-Birch on Hammond organ on “Blood Trails”, Manthy on the lead vocals on “Serenity”, and Bruno A. on the synths and guitar effects “Motion in Disguise”, “Something in the Water” (on these ones, he plays the additional guitar leads as well) and “Serenity”. The artwork is a fine piece of art done by Dmitry Laudin that fits on the album’s musical ideas.

As the first paragraph depicts, CINEASTA is a new side project of the known Portuguese artist/guitarist Alexandre Santos, who is widely known for his works with SCAR FOR LIFE, ARCHITECTS OF RAIN, DNA, STAGMA, VYRUS and others. Here, everything is a form of Prog Metal/Hard Rock made with focus on the instrumental parts (except for “Serenity”, where sweet female vocals are heard). Although the songs aren’t hard to hear and like, the whole album is full of emotions that flows and seduces the hearers due its melodic appeal. And even for those that aren’t into instrumental musical expressions, “Cineasta” guards some lovely surprises, so what are you expecting to dive into it now?

“Motion in Disguise” is a short and tender intro based on pianos and acoustic guitars, preparing the ears for “1948”, a deeper and melancholic song with traces from Pop Rock and Hard Rock into the sets of Progressive Rock ambiences, with fine pianos and violins entwined by some heavier parts. And the same elements and features are heard on “Something in the Water”.

“Scripted Lines” contrasts with the previous songs, having a more Hard Rock orientation and focus on distorted guitars, with a charming set of melodies and a hard to resist to its ‘guitar chorus’. Being the only song with vocals, “Serenity” is deeper, intense and charming, with lovely female voices contrasting with the violins and guitars.

“Blood Trails” comes back the introspective feeling, with a ‘noir’ feeling coming from the use of the old Hammond’s parts, and what lovely contrasts with the acoustic leads and solid work on bass guitar and drums. “Once It’s Lost” is another moment filled with introspection and beautiful landscaping violins and guitars. “Illuminate” closes the album bringing back something more wild and intense in a Hard/Glam Metal way, with fine lead guitars and keyboards.

Once again: “Cineasta” is a release full of emotions, but’s not easy to understand. And welcome CINEASTA as the band deserves: with applause!

Listen it here:

https://open.spotify.com/intlpt/album/3aX94nCSp4dS4n0bDJQg3k?si=lrBD7uUyQxOZaeHGm7AFag