Album Review | Ivory – Alien Nation

Ivory
Alien Nation
Label: Underground Symphony Records
Out: October 31^st, 2023
Playing time: 40:09

The story of Ivory begins in the late nineties in Turin. Initially under the name Anthem, they changed their name in 2000. Only bassist Luca Bernazzi and guitarist Salvatore “Salvo” Vecchio remained from the founding period. Two demos were released under the name Anthem. After 2000, three albums and one EP followed in longer intervals. The last album for the time being, “A Moment, A Place And A Reason”, dates from 2016. Seven years later, “Alien Nation” is now released.

Like so many other albums of this genre, the Italians start with an intro called “Fading Memories”. Fortunately, it is only short, 44 seconds, but it could have been left out. More than a fade in is not to be heard here. “On The Edge Of Insanity” is of a completely different calibre. Powerful and melodic. With an outstanding singer (Davide dell’Orto). He has only been with the band since last year and has left his unmistakable mark on the sound. At first, the singing on “The Mask” seems a bit technically alienated. But the singer doesn’t need such gimmicks, as he proves shortly afterwards. He easily manages to drown out the drumming. The other instruments are discreetly restrained, apart from the filigree guitar solo. A beautiful Hard Rock hymn. In the past, something like this would have been called Stadium Rock. But those times are history. “Liquid World Crunch” starts briefly with funky guitars. These later determine the song with their riffs. Of course, 80s rock also includes a ballad. And this follows with “Feeding My Soul”. Heartbreakingly beautiful. And Davide shows his soft side here. “Empty Desires” also belongs more to the ballad area but is clearly harder than its predecessor. “Odd Rails” is a short instrumental interlude. Here, especially the guitarist can prove his skills on the six-string. And that’s what he does at the beginning of “Walking Straight”, actively supported by the drums. After a fast beginning, this song also moves in the midtempo range. The title song “Alien Nation” follows at the very end. This great anthem is a worthy namesake.

The Encyclopaedia Metallum classifies the sound under Power/Progressive Metal. I don’t know what Ivory’s earlier albums sounded like. But “Alien Nation” is, from my point of view, rather classic Hard Rock (Stadium Rock) of the 80s. Musically well done. Cleanly and powerfully staged. And the sound lives above all from the vocals of newcomer Davide dell’Orto. A real stroke of luck.

Lineup:

Davide dell’Orto – Vocals
Salvo Vecchio – Guitar
Luca Bernazzi – Bass
Claudio Rostagno – Drums

Track list:

• Fading Memories (Intro)
• On The Edge Of Insanity
• The Mask
• Liquid World Crunch
• Feeding My Soul
• Empty Desires
• Odd Rails (instr.)
• Walking Straight
• Alien Nation