biglietto per l' inferno (crystal vinyl)

• Edition:
• Vinyl:
• Packaging: Single sleeve reproducing the original artwork

Biglietto per l'Inferno is the powerful 1974 debut by the Italian progressive-rock group from Lecco. Although it was the band's only album released during their original period of activity, its combination of dark storytelling, forceful hard-rock passages and elaborate keyboard arrangements established it as a distinctive recording from the classic Italian progressive scene.

The group featured Claudio Canali on vocals, flute and flugelhorn, Marco Mainetti on guitar, Giuseppe “Baffo” Banfi on organ and synthesizer, Giuseppe “Pilly” Cossa on piano and organ, Fausto Branchini on bass and Mauro Gnecchi on drums. The unusual presence of two keyboard players gives the album a particularly dense sound, with organ, piano and synthesizer frequently interacting with heavy guitar riffs and abrupt rhythmic changes.

“Ansia” begins in a restrained and uneasy atmosphere before developing through contrasting acoustic, vocal and hard-rock sections. The dramatic “Confessione” is one of the group's defining compositions, combining provocative lyrics, theatrical vocals and an extended instrumental passage that moves between aggressive guitar, keyboards and more symphonic textures.

“Una strana regina” offers some of the album's most melodic moments while retaining the band's characteristic complexity. Canali's flute introduces a rapidly changing central section before the composition returns to its more lyrical themes. “Il nevare” similarly moves between calm, reflective passages and heavier ensemble playing.

The entire second side is dominated by “L'amico suicida,” an extended and unsettling composition dealing with death and personal despair. Its ominous opening, dramatic vocal performance and numerous changes of rhythm and mood bring the album to an intense conclusion.

With its dark Italian-language lyrics, twin-keyboard attack, expressive flute and unusually heavy instrumental sound, Biglietto per l'Inferno remains an essential recording for collectors of Italian progressive and hard rock. This limited AMS Records edition presents the complete original album on heavyweight crystal-clear vinyl.

Track listing:

Side A

1. Ansia – 4:12
2. Confessione – 6:30
3. Una strana regina – 6:12

Side B

1. Il nevare – 4:37
2. L'amico suicida – 14:23