By: Anders

Posted: Jul 31, 2005

The "Dungeons Of The Vatican" EP was originally released in 1994 in a not that big pressing. The EP was soon embraced by Time Machine's fans and was eventually sold out. Now 11 years after the original release year, Lucretia Records has decided to make the EP available again, and I'm sure that will make many Time Machine fans happy. Together with the 3 original tracks, there has been thrown in 7 live tracks from the period 1994 to 1996, all bootlegs, but still with a great sound and atmosphere.

The music on the EP really shows the talent of the band and where they were heading in 1994. The compositions are amazing, symphonic progressive metal at its best. Many mood-swings within the music and bombastic atmospheric highlights. Great performances from all the musicians, but especially the guitar and keyboard play are amazing and enchanting. The vocal performance is great as well.

The live tracks are from 4 different recordings. Even though the booklet says 3, but the release only lists 6 live tracks though I see and hear 7, so unless I've lost my mind completely… As written prior in this review, the live tracks are bootlegs, but the quality is pretty good, and you can hear what there is going on, and most of the music comes clear through the speakers. The highlight of the live tracks, is the cover version of 'Wuthering Heights', performed unplugged together with Andre Matos and Kiko Loureiro from Angra, damn Matos voice works great together with Folco Orlandini's.

This is a really fine re-release of the gem "Dungeons Of The Vatican". And together with the live tracks it is a fine release for the hardcore Time Machine fans. If you are thinking of getting this piece of history, you better act fast though. The release is limited to a 1000 copies.

Rating: 8,5/10

Print