Record Reviews

RUNAWAY TOTEM ~ ANDROMEDA MUSEA 4299 (Barcode: 3426300042996) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 3rd album by the Italian band Runaway TotemFind albums by this artist, which is often referred to as the Italian MagmaFind albums by this artist, and the first part of the "Cosmic Cycles" trilogy. There is no doubt that Runaway Totem`s music is very Magmaish in style and sound, but it also has its own characteristics. With additional influences ranging from Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and even Deus Ex MachinaFind albums by this artist (another great Italian band), they storm and rage through the lengthy tracks with vigor and intelligence. An absolute must from Magma fans.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RUNAWAY TOTEM ~ PLEROMA MUSEA 4579 (Barcode: 3426300045799) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 5th album by Italian group Runaway TotemFind albums by this artist, which is strongly influenced by the music and philosophy of the French group MagmaFind albums by this artist and belongs to the small but very dedicated circle of Zeuhl followers. The album presents the third part of the trilogy of albums called "Cosmic Cycles", which started with the previous releases "AndromedaFind albums with this title" and "Tep ZepiFind albums with this title". The lineup of the group, which seems to be in a constant shift, is now reduced to a duo, fronted by a formidable and impressive singer / composer Roberto GottardiFind albums by this artist, who also plays guitars, keyboards and bass and drummer Germano MorghenFind albums by this artist. The album is a musical suite rather than a collection of separate tunes, dominated by dark atmosphere and hypnotic rhythms and repetitions. The sound is heavy and dense, with extended instrumental passages and dramatic tempo shifts. Zeuhl / RIO fans will find this music mesmerizing, although any Prog fan will find here many fascinating elements worth listening to. This is a very impressive piece of work, which deserves more exposure that it achieved so far. Recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RUNAWAY TOTEM ~ TEP ZEPI MUSEA 4465 (Barcode: 3426300044655) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 4th album by Italian group Runaway TotemFind albums by this artist, which is strongly influenced by the music and philosophy of the French group MagmaFind albums by this artist and belongs to the small but very dedicated circle of Zeuhl followers. The album presents the second part of the trilogy of albums called "Cosmic Cycles", which started with the previous release "AndromedaFind albums with this title" and continues with the next album "PleromaFind albums with this title". The lineup of the group, which seems to be in a constant shift, is a quartet, fronted by a formidable and impressive singer / guitarist Roberto GottardiFind albums by this artist and includes also keyboardist Roberto VeroneseFind albums by this artist, bassist Dario GelmettiFind albums by this artist and drummer Germano MorghenFind albums by this artist. The album is a musical suite rather than a collection of separate tunes, dominated by dark atmosphere and hypnotic rhythms and repetitions. The sound is heavy and dense, with extended instrumental passages and dramatic tempo shifts. Zeuhl / RIO fans will find this music mesmerizing, although any Prog fan will find here many fascinating elements worth listening to. This is a very impressive piece of work, which deserves more exposure that it achieved so far. Recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend