Eternal Mistake is the seventh studio album by the Italian progressive rock band Karmamoi. As for their concept and themes this album can be described as their most ambitious work to date. The album is a cinematic concept piece exploring a futuristic love story between a human and a humanoid. It delves into philosophical reflections on the boundaries of logic and flesh, questioning whether emotion can exist beyond biology and suggesting that love, though often messy, is the "eternal mistake" that defines the human experience. Next to the current line up of Valerio Sgargi (lead vocals, keys, guitars), Alex Massari (guitars), Alessandro Cefalì (bass) and Daniele Giovannoni (drums, backing vocals, keys) the album features excellent contributions from renowned guest musicians, including Adam Holzman (keyboards and Moog), Randy McStine (guitar) and Susanna Brigatti (vocals). The new album clearly features the band's familiar sound, yet at the same time, the band manages to surpass itself by incorporating new musical impulses. Such as introducing electronic textures and grand orchestral passages. But also the guitars sound even more heavy than before! Furthermore the guest musicians are partly responsible for this, without diminishing the band's own contribution. For these are, naturally, once again of a very high musical standard! The amazing voice of lead singer Valerio Sgargi is particularly outstanding. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Alessandro Cefalì and drummer Daniele Giovannoni, is in perfect harmony and provides the right beat when needed. Sometimes stylistic, sometimes a bit more straightforward when necessary. Guitarist Alex Massari also holds his own and can play his instrument both subtly and very aggressively. As for the keyboards, there is plenty to enjoy as well. Vocalist Sgargi and drummer Giovannoni jointly provide the beautiful keyboard contributions. Sometimes sensitive piano playing, and at times they produce an orchestral sound. Together, the four musicians are very well attuned to one another, demonstrating that they have been playing together for a long time and showing how proficient they are individually on their instruments. Together, they have made Eternal Mistake a beautiful album that you will keep listening to multiple times! Eternal Mistake is not an album that immediately reveals its inner beauty. No, the listener really has to put in a bit more effort before this beauty is fully laid bare. That is why it is recommended to listen to the album multiple times, especially through headphones rather than standard speakers. Afterwards, it will become apparent that the album is very cleverly constructed and discovers new things within this musical palette after every listen. Sometimes the music is very aggressive, with heavy guitar parts when the story calls for it. Good examples are Lara Is Your Name, I'm Not On Your Side or No Soul. At other times, the music is more sensitive to reveal the loving side of the story. Just listen to songs such as No Soul and Eternal Mistake and you do know what I mean. All in all, this results in a beautiful whole that ensures exceptionally high musical quality. A musical quality that has perhaps never been heard before on a Karmamoi album. The musicians (band and guests) have made a top-notch contribution that you rarely hear on an album. I must also mention that the band has explicitly stated that the mixing and mastering by Fabio Ferri, the excellent artwork by Joel Barrios and the lyrics, arrangements and music composed by Sgargi and Giovannoni are completely AI-free on Eternal Mistake. As for the music on this excellent album. The cinematographic vibes and emotional depth that you hear on this album shows that the band has reached a new level of maturity and creativity. The atmosphere and musical style shows a sound which can be characterized as dramatic and atmospheric melodic progressive rock. Influence range from Pink Floyd (Don't Knock On The Door, We Are Going Home and Passing Away) to Porcupine Tree (Lara Is Your Name). When it comes to naming specific musical highlights, you really run into trouble. Why, you might ask? Well, mainly because the entire album is ultimately one big musical highlight as far as I'm concerned. Nevertheless, the tracks where the guest musicians make an extra contribution are probably just a little bit better in terms of quality, without shortchanging the other songs. This refers to the tracks Hero, in which Adam Holzman delivers a triple Moog solo; Nothing But, in which Randy McStine lets his guitar do the talking in an incredible way; and finally, Susanna Brigatti, who showcases her exceptional voice in an excellent manner on We Are Going Home. But also a song like The Mirror. A short song in which Valerio sounds like a real crooner. Think of Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Rudy Vallee, and Nat King Cole. But also No Fucking Way: The album closer, which can be described as a rousing, blues-based rocker that ends the record on an energetic note. But actually, you can go on almost indefinitely until you have essentially named all the tracks. Everything is simply beautiful and a joy to listen to. And with frequent listening, you discover new details in the music time and again. As I have noted before. Actually, you can only draw one conclusion after listening to Eternal Mistake. Karmamoi has surpassed themselves. They set the bar very high for themselves to deliver the best possible musical product. Something in which they have completely succeeded. Everything has truly been pulled out of the hat to make it a true musical journey for the listener. Very cleverly, after multiple listens, they bring out musical details that won't stand out after a first listen. Therefore, I can only do one thing, and that is to wholeheartedly recommend this album. Fans of Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree will initially embrace this album. But everyone who calls themselves a true prog enthusiast ought to listen to this album and eventually buy it. But I won't push or force anyone. Listen for yourself and discover the musical beauty of this impressive concept album created by a group of Italians who know how to strike a chord. You won't regret it. I certainly didn't. ****+ Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
