Giuntini Project - IV

Giuntini Project
IV
Escape Music
2013
8
Giuntini Project, or else the brainchild of the Italian guitarist/composer Aldo Giuntini, is possibly the closest thing to Rainbow (Dio era), Black Sabbath (Dio/Martin era), Dio, Malmsteen that one can stumble upon when searching for quality hard & heavy music with the musical standards that the above titans defined. A well-crafted blending of the aforementioned bands will give you a good hint of what Giuntini Project is all about, just in case you never heard of it.
 
It may have taken about 7 years for Aldo to come up with a new album but as he says, the way of writing & producing music takes time. So be it. In any case, all his releases have an approximate 6 years hiatus. We must always allow the artists to take their time and speak whenever they feel ready. Music is not to be taken lightly and inspiration demands endurance. “IV” does pick up from where “III” left off, as it usually happens with all Aldo’s albums. He likes to have a consistency and a certain musical texture on all his works. If some may wonder, yes Tony Martin is still here giving some great performances that evoke a few Sabbath memories that will send chills down your spine. What a voice. Need I say anything more? There’s also a guest appearance on the song “Bring on the Night” by the gifted vocalist Liz Vandall (Uli Jon Roth, Sahara). She makes a wonderful duet with Martin indeed. The production is full and crunchy. Probably, the best production Giuntini had so far. By the way, Dario Mollo (Mollo/Martin) produced the album.
 
If you thought that this album could be something else than a good mix of the 80s hard & heavy music we still love, then you have no clue about it. It may not add anything new to the musical map but it ain’t also modern or polished. It’s made by those elements all the important 80s hard rock/metal albums were made of. I’m glad there are still guys around that respect and are influenced by that era but without copying it or trying to be some cheap clones. I like how cohesive & tight the whole album is. The rockers vary from fast to mid-tempo ones… there are also two instrumental tracks here. “How the Story Ends” is a cover of the known Megadeth song from “Endgame”. Weird choice but it has been done greatly. I think that you got my point of view thus far. If you’re into hard & heavy music then “IV” will surely make your day…