ZIPPO - Maktub

Zippo are five musicians from Pescara working within a heavy-rock framework marked by no small amount of psych influence, which emerges especially in the less abrasive, more expansive tracks. It's precisely these latter moments that give real added value to "Maktub", the band's third album, which broadens the musical spectrum put forward by the quintet, no longer the sole domain of raw, unfiltered stoner-metal but now in search of new, personal contaminations.

While the more predictable tracks echo Metallica at times ("We, People's Hearts") and the powerful math-rock of Tool and Mastodon at others ("The Omens", "Man Of Theory"), elsewhere Zippo search for more distinctive elements, skillfully alternating the saber with the foil. Between the lines emerge streaks of a certain grunge close to Alice In Chains (on the opening "The Personal Legend"), or intriguing nods to the Faith No More universe on "Caravan To Your Destiny".

But the album's real added value emerges, precisely, above all in the two closing tracks, where the psychedelic element overtakes the electric fury, making room for crescendos of rare intensity.

It's likely that "Simum" and "The Tresure" will, over time, prove to be the real reasons why "Maktub" is remembered.

"Maktub" features contributions from Ben Ward of Orange Goblin and Luca T. Mai, the saxophonist of Zu; mastering was handled by James Plotkin, who has previously worked behind the mixing desk with Isis and Sunn O)))) — all presences that give the album an international scope. The band's numerous live shows, both in Italy and abroad, are confirming growing interest in the Abruzzo quintet.

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21/07/2011