MOONLIGHT HAZE – INTERSTELLAR MADNESS

The theming of this album is on point, from cover artwork to the lyrics, where the universe becomes the central point of the album. From floating through vast galaxies to exploring the light within, tapping into the primal energy of the moon, Interstellar Madness as a whole shines among the stars. This isn’t the first exploration of the album’s themes, but something Moonlight Haze is well-versed in and they do it well.

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Chiara Tricarico is a talented vocalist, some may be familiar with her live work on Avantasia’s recent Here be Dragons Tour. She is able to alter her voice from a classic rock range to a beautiful and operatic, soprano register with flawless transition. Her work on “Moonlight Legion” paints a pretty and vivid picture, theatrical and melodic, while her work on “Interstellar Madness” is shrill and sustained with notes that teeter on the verge of insanity.

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Alessandro Jacobi’s bass is prominent in “We Are Fire” and “Shine” in particular, catchy and energetic. Giulio Capone’s keyboard work shapes so much of the emotion in the album, atmospheric and delightful, such as the harpsichord notes and strings that swell in “Interstellar Madness.” As a counter, Capone’s drumming is at times wild and galloping with organised consistency (as heard in “Lost in Moonlit Symphonies”) – it creates that balance of power and symphonic meeting in the middle, driven with heightened emotion.

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The riffs shared between Marco Falanga and Alberto Melinato are consistent, at times short with sectioning that creates this running, frantic energy. “Shine” and “Lost in Moonlit Symphonies” have much of this energy, with short shifts between riffs keeping a rhythmic pattern that inspires movement. As a unit the band is bursting with energy and giving their all to display a dramatic performance, one written with clear narrative and heart.

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On a finish, “Interstellar Madness: Finale” is a soulful piece that draws a curtain close worth applauding to this short and sweeping epic. Interstellar Madness feels like a celestial-gothic theatre show, full of the operatic flair and performed dancing in the moonlight. It is a brilliant balance of swelling, emotive strings and heartfelt vocals meeting thunderous riffs and drums, resulting in quite a stage show.

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SCORE 9/10

Reviewed By GhostinthearmouR