PLATENS - Between Two Horizons

Posted: 8/20/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Progressive Melodic Hard Rock

Released: 12/6/04

Label URL: www.frontiers.it

Artist URL: www.platens-opera.com

Platens is basically a one man project from Italian singer, songwriter, musician Dario Grillo (ex-Thy Majestie).  Having studied classical guitar and taken voice lessons with Elizabeth Sabine (who worked with Axl Rose, Dave Mustaine, and Ron Keel), Dario incorporates his background into the majestic melodic rock sound of Platens.  Grillo handles all the instruments, except drums, which are played by his brother Alessandro, and some female vocals, courtesy of Alessandra Amata.

Looking at the cd cover, it's difficult to get a sense of the music contained inside.  Once you plug in the cd, you'll note that Grillo pulls from many different genres.  Between Two Horizons is certainly melody driven but there are driving moments that give it a hard rock feel, soft moments that have a majestic feel, and then there are progressive touches that give it this expansive and epic proportion.  If you are a fan of just one particular style, the diversity may be a point of frustration for you.  If not, you'll applaud Grillo for his ability to put it all together in a cohesive fashion.

The disc opens with the very direct chorus driven "Here I Am," which instantly sticks in your head and will appeal to all 80s AOR fans.  The keyboards, guitars and overall structure of other tracks ("The Chasm Of Madness") present a progressive feel.  Even a song like "Into The Fire," which has an infectious chorus, has technical,progressive musicianship.  Additionally, the sedate quality of "Waves Of Sea" and "The Last Kiss" have a majestic feel, and are clearly not straight-ahead melodic rock.

The Bloody Truth: Dario Grillo presents a classy opus here.  I believe Platens will be more attractive to progressive fans, rather than fans of straight-ahead AOR, hard rock, and melodic rock.  Vocally, Grillo has a beautiful and strong melodic voice, and production-wise this is precise and big sounding.  Grillo's emotion comes through each track, so this is not for anybody who is looking for simple drinking music.  Looking for some technical skill and intelligent songwriting?  Then Platens is for you.