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Mixing jazz with dark goth type sounds might seem like an unlikely combination at first, but bassist Lorenzo Feliciati and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Exposito Fornasari (aka LEF) successfully bring these two styles together in their highly original CD “Berserk”. The jazz involved here is of the modern “nu” variety, with its somber and ambient leanings intact, making the merger with the dark sounds of art-doom and goth a little more palatable. Elements of sludgey avant-metal, modern art rock and horror soundtracks also flavor this rich multi-textured CD. A soundtrack might be one of the best references for “Berserk”, as the individual tracks don’t seem to matter much as one song blends with the next in one big subterranean heavy rhythm tone poem. The main thing that makes this CD stand out from the pack though, is the level of writing and arranging. These songs grow and develop in complex arrangements that eschew standard verse-chorus type patterns.
An all-star cast of nu jazz and avant-garde rock artists are assembled on here to help create the huge sound of "Berserk" including; guitarist Eivind Aarset, keybordist Jamie Saft and drummer Pat Mastelotto, but the most significant guest contributions come from trombonist Gianluca Petrella. The long held notes and multi-tracked chords on the trombone(s) make the perfect primitive sound to go with the dark medieval atmosphere and heavy drums. The star of the show though is LEF and his incredibly varied vocal techniques. Its hard to believe one vocalist is covering all of this as he recalls various outsider vocalists from Nick Cave, to Captain Beefheart, Trent Reznor, metalish growls, massive monster voices, David Sylvan, full choirs and latter day David Bowie.
This CD isn’t for everyone, it can be very intense in places, especially the vocals. Despite the presence of so many nu jazz scenesters and many lengthy instrumental passages, I think “Berserk”s strongest appeal will be with fans of modern avant-garde rock and related heavy music. Still, as mentioned earlier, this CD's salient feature is its excellent composition and production from beginning to end. I will have to admit that this is not the sort of thing I normally listen to, but I am truly impressed by how well put together this entire CD is. This is art-rock composition of a very high order.
