Created by Antonio Pantano, “Arcandia” is a Symphonic Metal Project with Folk and Celtic Elements, influenced by Epic and Fantasy Movies. The project also, contains an original story named “Chronicles of the Nordic Warriors” and a full detailed color map of the NorthWest of Arcandia. The complete novel is available in the pdf booklet and performed on the album by BBC UK Voiceover Peter Baker.
Of the project Antonio says: “The concept “Arcandia” came from my love for instrumentals like the Movie Soundtracks of “Zimmer” and “Bergersen” , the Symphonic Metal music of “Rhapsody”, the Guitar Virtuoso of “Luca Turilli”, videogames such as “Warcraft” and “Skyrim”, and George Martin’s fantasy novel “Chronicles of Ice and Fire” (Known as “Game of Thrones”).”
How Antonio Pantano manages to be so consistently good is something of a mystery, but with “Arcandia” he does it again: this is one of the most memorable soundtracks of the new millennium made by any indie artist that I can remember. And I specifically say ‘soundtrack’, as this album can be considered no less! Be it a ‘soundtrack’ to a yet unread novel, un-played videogame, yet-yo-be-seen movie or a sequence of events only imagined in the utmost corners of your mind.
The album’s transition from the dark ambience to the higher pitch of dramatic rhythms and sweeping melodies produces in the listener, a sense of being taken on a journey. This is precisely what one would hope for in a soundtrack that parallels the discovery of new lands in a fantasy world. The tracks flow effortlessly into one another to create a rare and deeply evocative musical experience.
I have been following Antonio Pantano’s career for a couple of years now, and can certify that he is growing into a master at his craft. No one else can blend, layer and weave melodies, rhythms and textures like Antonio does.
“Arcandia” sounds complete and not like a collection of various tunes and atmospheres from a movie, which usually don’t work together as a whole. It is incredibly beautiful and moving. I consider it Antonio’s best work so far.
“Arcandia” is a combination of mood and majesty. The music just washes over you, giving you a sense of being one of the world’s great explorers, voyaging out into the unknown. I could listen to this album over and over again. Antonio Pantano’s has the ability to draw out many emotions in the listener, to make the listener ‘see’ images in his or her mind. I could ‘see’ the adventure; I could ‘see’ the fear, anguish and the excitement of the strange new world that is being discovered before my ‘eyes’.
Antonio’s music is something that can be more than just an acquired taste. Furthermore, while there is a certain similarity between his albums, over time he has shown sufficient variation that you cannot judge one by all the others. I think this music is ideal for anyone who has a taste for anything between classical music and progressive rock. Antonio crosses limits and boundaries, letting his go where his creativity takes him.
“Arcandia” which is to be officially released on the 21st of September 2014, covers 14 tracks plus 1 bonus track. I will not mention track names or single-out ‘standout ‘ tunes, as this is not a regular pop album, but rather a single body of work divided into various musical movements and should be listened to as such.
This album is an example of Antonio Pantano’s ability to transport you elsewhere. Be it another place, another time, or directly into his mind, heart and emotions!
Current distribution details state that the album will ONLY be available for download here on Bandcamp!
Album Credits:
COMPOSED, PRODUCED & MIXED BY ANTONIO PANTANO
All instruments, Music, Concept and Narration by Antonio Pantano.
Story Narrator & King Atheristan VI: Peter Baker, UK BBC Voiceover.
Keyboard solo on tracks N°02, 08 and Harpsicord on N°06 By Gabriels.
Drums & Live Percussion by: W.J. Mitchell
Recorded at Soundimension Records Studio & Nordik Studio Lab (Milazzo) between June 2012 – February 2014.
Cover Concept, Artwork & Booklet Design by Antonio Pantano.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
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metalguy
Yeah this album is freakin genious! This is up there with the two avantasia releases for the best metal of the year!