There are musicians in the scene of Metal and Rock that we are always thinking how they have time to dedicate themselves to the countless side projects we see associated with their names. And one of the most And Alessandro Del Vecchio is one of them, for he is, at least, at 20 bands at the time this review is being written! And there are his works as producer and his collaborations with side projects in Frontiers Music SRL. And here is one more: EDGE OF FOREVER.

“Ritual” is the band’s 6th studio album, where the quartet lineup shows musicians with experience on the shoulders, with acts as LABŸRINTH, JORN, POLARIZED, HARDLINE, DEATH SS, ELVENKING, SECRET SPHERE, SWEET OBLIVION and others on their set of bands they played (or still play). So people can expect a great and inspired work, of course, and it’s delivered here, for the album bears a form of Hard Rock into a heavier and aggressive way, but without losing its melodic core and hooking elements (as some traits of the 80s can be heard as well). Energy and melodies entangle with weight and an outstanding and inspired set of songs that is almost hard to resist to after the first hearing.

As expected, Alessandro did the production, recordings, mixing and mastering of “Ritual” (why pay for someone’s work if you know how to do it?), and created a massive, weighty and defined sonority where all the songs gain life, but always sounding spontaneous and uncompromised. And the simple (but efficient) artwork of Stan-W Decker for the cover contrasts with the rich musical work of the album. This lineup is together since the release of “Native Soul”, back in 2019 (after a long hiatus of ten years), but the result on “Ritual” is above any expectation.

“Where Are You?” is the opening track, a heavy song filled with a positive energy and a set of charming melodies, along with a great choruses, with vocals and keyboards working at their peak. “Water Be My Path” brings some 70s Hard Rock influences (due the Hammond-like keyboards) mixed with some Country Rock influences, and contrast between tender parts with heavier moments (and what great backing vocals). “Freeing My Will” is a modern Hard Rock with a charming melodic flavor, with excellent work of bass guitar and drums (always heavy and strong), and “The Last One” has a typical influence of the 80s on its harmonies, with guitars working in a fine way on riffs and arrangements.

A charming ballad is shown on “Love is the Only Answer”, and it depicts how the quartet is versatile. And “Forever’s Unfolding” is a heavier song with some Middle-East-like melodic arrangements, with weight and melodies entangling to create a charming moment on the album. Then comes the 7 parts of “Ritual”, each one of them showing an ample set of emotions on each part: “Ritual Pt. I” (that bears a clear weighty outfit), “Ritual Pt. II Revert Destiny” (a more technical song in term of rhythms, with greasy groove on bass guitar and drums that boost melodies), “Ritual Pt. III Taunting Souls” (a massive energy flows from it, heavy and savage due the guitars’ works), “Ritual Pt. IV Baptized in Fire” (a short and tender song based on vocals, backing vocals and keyboards), “Ritual Pt. V Ride the Wings of Hope” (another catching and instigating song that will work perfectly on the shows, with excellent vocals and chorus along a charming guitar solo), “Ritual Pt. VI Cross My Eyes” (a tender and deep moment where the voice fits perfectly on the pianos arrangements), and the outro “Ritual Pt. VII Reconciliation” (another taste of Middle-East appears due the ambiences).

Well, “Ritual” comes to cement the great moment that EDGE OF FOREVER is living, and sounds alive and great! Listen to it!