Demo Tape

Once upon a time in Italy…there was Strana Officina. It’s not a fortuitous thing that my review begins like a tale. Strana Officina belongs to the legend of the Italian scene in a forever gone period made of true good and deep music, made of feelings and real emotions, from sadness to unstoppable joy, passing through the difficulties of life. Difficulties that leave scars, transformed in music to share them with the listeners, to make him know or remember this magic period.

Their first demo in 1983 is one of those pieces of history that nobody into this genre can ignore because they belong to us, deep inside, making us see where all started or what was growing in that sincere period. This demo contains some of the most famous songs by this band that still nowadays are played live, to keep alive that spirit, to enjoy those generations that never saw them live. I was one of these generations ‘till few month ago and if I already loved this band, watching them live has increased my respect and admiration for them. They succeeded in showing us true feelings in a concert through these awesome songs.

CHAPTER I “Piccolo Uccello Bianco”.
This book of tales start with this energetic, melodic heavy metal track. It mixes very well fast palm muting riffs, melodic arpeggios and sweet lead guitars lines. Bud Ancillotti is a great singer, that apart from being objectively very good in technique, conserves that warm, emotional timbre that is unique in this music. Still nowadays he’s able to give the same emotions through his vocals. The song itself features a true poetry as lyrics and that’s the thing that I really appreciate: we must go back to groups like these to find again someone that can share with you the normal life’s emotions and thoughts.
The solos are fantastic in each single note, from the tremolo picking to the more melodic, long notes. They are truly epic.

CHAPTER II “L’Autostrada Dei Sogni”
This poetry always sends me chills up and down the spine for the lyrics and the melancholic music they added. The first parts is a ballad, talking about a girls who dreams to go away from the normal life, passing through lakes, mountains with a motorbike along “The Motorway Of Dreams”. Bud’s vocals here are even more involved and commiserate with that girl, that can only imagine such a great thing. The second part of this song is harder with the electric guitars but without losing a hint of melody.

CHAPTER III “Sole, Mare , Cuore”
After two more introspective songs, it’s time for this one to give more energy. The riffs are now more epic and the atmosphere is more relaxed. The solos again are astonishing for their simplicity and ability in giving the right melodic touch that a song deserves to pass from the level of goodness to the one of greatness (Cappanera brothers, R.I.P.). The palm muting riffs have always a hard rock touch, taking the hand of a great Bud.

CHAPTER IV “Tu Non Sei Normale”
This one follows the same structure of “Sole, Mare, Cuore”. The riffs are even heavier and perfect to accompany the lyrics about a mum that says to his boy that he is not normal because he always listens to heavy metal. That is funny and truly 80s in style! The solos now are more direct and violent if we want while the melody is less present, especially the sad one, preferring the classic head crush of this great song.

CHAPTER V “ Guerra Triste”
The most introspective and contemplative side of the band is again present in this piece of art. We find the arpeggio on the first part to let the electric guitars take the main role in their calm, miserable march for awhile. Than the arpeggios and the bass lines are again very audible. The lyrics are about wars and the consequences for the children or their families. Very deep and touching. The guitars line are full of that desperation and loss of hope a man feel after this tragedy. Another great song that features a great length in its march, without being annoying or boring.

CHAPTER VI “Vai, Vai”
This is the song that ends this long demo. It contains fast tempos that sometimes, especially during the beginning, are almost speed metal. The vocals are always traditional heavy metal style but the drumming is more bad ass and the guitars work is more intricate and complex in its blend of palm muting riffs and fast hard rock scales. The greatest way to end this awesome, magic book of tales, perfectly balanced between sad, melodic songs and energetic pieces of pure heavy metal. A rare, shining gem.