ARACHNES – In Praise Of Science

Arachnes is a four-piece Italian Metal band that has been around since the mid-1990s. The band’s two founding members are Franco “Frank” Caruso (guitars) and Enzo “Vincent” Caruso (vocals and keyboards). Arachnes’ new album, In Praise Of Science, also features Gabriele Baroni on bass and Stefano Caironi on drums.

In Praise Of Science consists of 13 tracks, and revolves around a theme of knowledge and science. Arachnes mixes Progressive Metal, a bit of Power Metal, and some “old-school” Hard Rock with instruments like Hammond organs being used on some tracks.

If you were expecting Arachnes to be another in a long line of overblown Italian Heavy Metal bands, you may be disappointed (or happy, depending on your musical tastes) at what you hear on In Praise Of Science. While the album has a “big” sound and feel to it, it never becomes an overblown, histrionic Metal Opera. Yes, there are a lot of keyboard and guitar flourishes to be found, but they never go on too long and they always suit the music. The closest In Praise Of Science comes to self-indulgence is the three-part “Mediterranean Suite,” which is three fast-paced instrumental pieces with Franco Caruso’s skillful shredding skills at the forefront.

In Praise Of Science stays interesting over the course of its 13 songs, never dragging or becoming boring, even with the presence of a power ballad (“A Secret Sky”) and an Emerson, Lake & Palmer cover (“Blues Variation”). The album isn’t crushingly heavy, but it does have a lot of good riffs and power, most notably on songs like the punchy, fast-moving “I’m Closing My Eyes,” which also features some cool keyboard work. Keyboards can ruin some albums with excessive use, but they’re used well on In Praise Of Science, and it’s nice to hear some “old” instruments on a modern album.

Musically, Arachnes can compete with the heavy hitters in the industry; these guys are talented. Franco Caruso lays down lots of impressive guitar work, cranking out some solid riffs and solos. Enzo Caruso is a strong vocalist, but like many other Italian singers who sing in English, his accent takes some getting used to at first. His keyboard playing is very good too. Stefano Caironi is a force on drums, his powerful playing gives the music a rock-solid backbone.

In Praise Of Science is a solid Heavy Metal outing from Arachnes. It doesn’t radically alter the musical landscape in any way, but it’s a worthwhile listen.

Be sure to visit Arachnes’ Official website, which has a couple of full songs from In Praise Of Science available for download, as well as one Arachnes song only available from their website: “The Picture Of Dorian Gray.”