There is plenty of notable points to hint at real potential.

Italy's Starbynary have been around for over five years and 'Divina Commedia: Inferno', their second album, sees them striding forward in terms of ambition and scope. With the album split into eleven canto's (or parts) this seems to be a sprawling concept album, although the story behind the music is not immediately clear without the benefit of a full set of lyrics. It appears to be based around Dante's journey where you can peer through the human soul until lost in a vortex of emotions... eek! 'Rock 'N' Roll All Nite' this is not.

Musically, Starbynary head firmly down the Progressive Metal route with a heavy dose of Power Metal and at times a hint of Thrash just to mix things up a little. Lead singer Joe Caggianelli's high pitched vocals bear a passing resemblance to Dream Theater's Charlie Dominici stylistically, making When 'Day and Dream Unite' era DT an obvious reference point.

All the necessary elements are here, from the ultra-complex arrangements and constantly changing time signatures to travelling through a myriad of moods and atmospheres. The musicianship is top class, as is necessary for this particular form of music, the interplay between guitarist Leo Giraldi and Luigi Accardo's keyboards is impressive, while the drum patterns laid down by Andrea Janko mark him out as a strong contender in the Progressive field.

Although not perfect by any stretch of the imagination and a touch more variety in the song-writing would go a long way, there is plenty of notable points to hint at real potential. The Gothic choral effects combined with the thunderous riff and pounding drums of 'The Dark Forest' and the mid-paced melodrama of 'In Limbo' are clear highlights, but it is the stunning piano-led 'Soothsayers' that shows a real touch of class that could mark Starbynary as major players in the future if they focus on their strengths.

Mick Burgess