So, who's Guintini? Is it something like that magician... Hoodini, I think? And is this his project's third release? When have the other two albums been released? Why do I feel I should've known something 'bout this band/project? Finally, is this album worth the purchase (or even the listening)?
Aldo Guintini - as I had the chance to find out - has been playing music since the early 80's. As part of the Progressive Rock band Cryin' Earth, he eventually made a turn in his career when he met Dario Mollo. You know, the one ex-Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin cooperated with in the Cage project. Back to the star, Guintini released his full-length debut in 1994 by the simple title Project I. The sophomore album, Project II, included Martin's vocals but was (?) released at some unknown to me time. And, the weird thing is, this album is being reissued at the same time III is coming out! Wow, what a bizarre marketing move. Hope the music has a lot to say, anyway.
Well, thankfully, this guitarist plays hard for the Frontiers standards. Numerous riffs, sharp solos, he strongly reminded me of Japanese guitar wizard Kuni or American (with Greek roots) six-string extraordinaire Joshua Perahia. For those who know - and are fond of guitar-based melodic Hard Rock music - this definitely is a credit. The melodies are not that brilliant but Giuntini's playing is so notable that it instantly overcomes the songwriting standards. And, by mo means, could this mean that the melodies are boring. It's just the over-inspiration of the post-Dio Rainbow era (or something that - in general - has to do with Ritchie Blackmore when writing songs) that pushes the requirements to a higher level.
Anyway, and not for the first time, Tony Martin's voice is the big thing. Somehow let down by his latest solo work, Scream (MTM Music), I was happy to see he gave 100% of his voice's 'value' to this set of tunes. And that should be of no surprise, since Martin has the perfect backup of music to sing his guts out. Meaning: in-your-face Hard & Heavy music in various tempos with an appropriate production handled by Dario Mollo. A good mix, fine song sequence and a positive 'vibe' from all musicians sums it up to remarkable cuts like Gold Digger, Fool Paradise, Anno Mundi (The Vision) (you recognized this one, huh?) or the appealing Tutmosis VI - Tarantula instrumental track. The good thing is that III runs far away from the average 'mellow' releases of Frontiers Records. A strong album, with beautiful songs, that is worth the buying for lovers of Rainbow, early 80's Riot or (Tony Martin-era) Black Sabbath. In other words: do the albums Difficult To Cure (1981), Born In America (1983), Masque (1986) and Seventh Star (1986) mean something to you?