Just Reborn – Formae Mentis

Just Reborn
Formae Mentis
Label: Wormholedeath
Out: November 8^th, 2024
Playing time: 52:44

Italy is a stronghold of Symphonic Metal. There is often a female singer on the microphone. This is also the case with Just Reborn. The band was founded in the winter of 2021 by drummer and producer Jack Mx and guitarist and bassist Giancarlo Russo. Singer Monica Bisquadro and keyboard player Salvatore Danese joined in the same year. And the songwriting began. The result is now available. ‘Formae Mentis’

‘Formae Mentis’ is a concept album about the complex paths of human mind, about emotions, depression, difficulties to afford the nowadays world up to face the new, complex theme of AI and its frightening consequences.

Where it says ‘Intro‘ on the label, there is an intro inside. And it lasts just over one minute. The calm vocals of singer Monica Bisquadro are accompanied by keyboard and guitar sounds. You can do that, but you don’t have to. Instead, ‘Dreams Of Euphoria’ really bangs. Yes, we hear orchestral bombast, yes, we hear a high but very clear soprano. But that’s to be expected with Symphonic Metal. The important thing is that there is a lot of metallic heaviness and, of course, wonderful melodies. The guitar solo was probably played by guest musician Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius, ex-Revolution Renaissance, Avalon). ‘Strong On My Own’ is characterised by epic choruses. There is also guitar power. Every now and then a bass line can be heard. The tempo is reduced on the vocals. Monica sometimes sings in a high operatic soprano. Giancarlo Russo can show that he is also a good guitarist. Towards the end there are some evil growls. Unfortunately, the info is silent about who contributed them. ‘Imago Animi’ is initially dominated by guitar hooks. But then epic choruses follow. Here too, Monica’s vocals are counteracted by harsh growls. This is followed by the short synth-dominated ‘Interlude’. ‘Alter Ego’ starts with acoustic guitars and electric piano. But then it continues as usual, symphonic midtempo Metal. With the interplay of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and, of course, epic choruses. The melodic guitar melodies go well with this. The contemplative ballad ‘Lonely Souls Lullaby’ is also essentially characterised by acoustic guitars, underpinned by synth strings. Quiet guitar hooks are added later. The Italians obviously like acoustic guitars. This can also be heard on ‘Brain Fag’, another (power) ballad. After the interim excursion into the world of ballads, ‘Cannonball’ leads back to something heavier. The drums set the rhythm and the guitars provide beautiful melodies. All underpinned by keyboard tapestries. After the introduction with acoustic guitars, ‘Cynical Lies’ also moves into the somewhat harder mid-tempo range. Once again, the singer soars into the high range of her operatic soprano. With ‘Ad Aspera’, the band picks up speed. Hard riffs but also beautiful guitar melodies and booming drums accompany the elf-like vocals. In ‘Don’t Hurt My Soul’, the guitars sound lower-pitched. By the standards of this album, this is a fast song. Monica has a duet partner here (who?). A fast and filigree guitar solo is the highlight. For me, this is the best song on the album, next to the two ballads. As you would expect, there is also a one-minute instrumental ‘Outro‘.

What we hear on ‘Formae Mentis’ is certainly nothing new. But musically well done. It’s common knowledge that there are plenty of good Metal musicians in Italy. The same applies to singers. Monica Bisquadro, for example, captivates with her clear soprano voice. She also masters the high notes effortlessly. Her vocals have a decisive influence on this album. A successful debut album.

Just Reborn ft Timo Tolkki – Dreams of Euphoria: https://youtu.be/wugKFkNtSH0?si=L1JD3_NmfrY84v7h

Lineup:

Monica Bisquadro – Vocals
Salvatore Danese – Piano, Keyboards
Giancarlo Russo – Guitar, Bass
Jack Mx – Drums

Track list:

• Intro
• Dreams Of Euphoria (feat. Timo Tolkki)
• Strong On My Own
• Imago Animi
• Interlude
• Alter Ego
• Lonely Souls Lullaby
• Brain Fag
• Cannonball
• Cynical Lies
• Ad Aspera
• Don’t Hurt My soul
• Outro