Ibridoma – Norimberga 2.0 (Album Review)

Ibridoma
Norimberga 2.0
Label: Punishment 18 Records
Out: May 17^th, 2022
Playing time: 40:00

It is now usual for bands to write to magazines and webzines and ask for a review of their albums, even if they have already been released some time ago. This was also the case with the album “Norimberga 2.0” by the Italian Power Metal band Ibridoma. The album was released in May last year. But obviously guitarist Marco Vitali would like to receive further promotion for the band’s sixth album more than one year later. Yes, Ibridoma was founded back in March 2001 by drummer Alessandro Morroni and singer Christian Bartolacci in Morrovalle (province of Macerata). And as already mentioned, six albums have been released in the meantime, plus two EPs from the early years. The self-titled debut was released in 2010.

At the beginning you can hear “Ti ho visto andare via” sung in the native language. The riffs bang right from the start. Hard Rock with quite high vocals. And a strong melodic line. A good start. It continues in English with “Woman From The Stars”. And no less heavy. Fast guitar runs characterise the sound. This is followed by the title track “Norimberga 2.0”. I couldn’t find out what the addition “2.0” refers to. There is no album and no song with this name. Nevertheless, this is also a Metal Perforce ride. But here, too, you can hear many melodic parts and also some subtle growls. The Italians can’t slow down on “House Of Cards” either. The guitars and fast drumming are the main driving forces. “Coming Home” is suitable for AirPlay thanks to the beautiful harmonies. The guys probably wanted to get a foot in the radio playlists here. But “Into This Sea” is all the more aggressive. “Pandemia” is once again very melodic, although there is hardly any loss of heaviness here. The riffs on “Raise Your Head” blast out of the speakers really hard. The ballad “Where Are You Tonight” then provides a point of calm shortly before the end. While the mid-tempo “Eyes Of The Stranger” once again begs the radio stations of this world to include it in their playlists.

Although not brand new, “Norimberga 2.0” is an album well worth listening to. The band presents itself as a well-rehearsed team. With the exception of guitarist Lorenzo Castignani, the musicians have been playing together for much longer than one decade. And you can clearly hear this shared experience and routine in every song.

Ibridoma – Norimberga 2.0: https://youtu.be/Nug-DN2FGMQ?si=j-iarfQZKAk7N8Oz

Lineup:

Marco Vitali – Guitars (lead), Guitars (rhythm)
Alessandro Morroni – Drums
Christian Bartolacci – Vocals, Lyrics
Leonardo Ciccarelli – Bass
Lorenzo Castignani – Guitars (rhythm)

Track list:

• Ti ho visto andare via
• Woman from the Stars
• Norimberga 2.0
• House of Cards
• Coming Home
• Into the Sea
• Pandemia
• Raise Your Head
• Where Are You Tonight
• Eyes of the Stranger