Review: L’ira Del Baccano ‘The Praise Of Folly’
After their 2025 split album with Dutch heavy stoner band Yama, L’ira Del Baccano, for the last twelve years, have carved a unique niche for themselves in the world of psych prog music.
Known for their heavy space stoner sound, their interest in alchemy, esoteric philosophy, and the long live jam ala Grateful Dead – it’s no coincidence that in their live set they play Grateful To Jerry, in honour of the legendary Jerry Garcia – the Roman four-piece has gained a loyal following.
Their previous release, Cosmic Evoked Potentials, shows their innovative approach to music, blending various genres in an appraising way. Following that success, anticipation grew for their next project, and they did not disappoint. Their fifth album, The Praise Of Folly, not only lives up to the expectations but also stands out as a significant milestone in their career. This majestic work features a monumental prog rock sound that perfectly highlights the band’s musical journey.
With guitarist Alessandro ‘Drughito’ Santori leading the charge, the album brings out a combination of heavy riffs, intricate melodies, and atmospheric soundscapes that ‘dance’ in perfect balance, allowing each instrument to shine through without overshadowing the others. Each track feels like an exploration, indeed a truly immersive experience as they’ve mastered the art of creating sound that is both powerful and intricate.
The record commences with the expansive opener The Praise Of Folly Part One & Two. This twenty-one-minute epic journey doesn’t merely unfold; it immerses us completely within an ocean of meticulously crafted sound, simultaneously lulling us with its intricate textures while crushing us beneath its sheer power. Here, heavy, incandescent guitar riffs intertwine with the deliberate pulse of slow percussion and the celestial sweep of expanding keyboards, creating a sonic landscape so vast it feels like a wordless novel penned in the midst of a controlled, yet profound, fury.
Indeed, this monumental composition stands as the pinnacle of their career, a testament to their artistic height, displaying a mastery seldom achieved. It is, without question, a true monument to the enduring legacy of classic progressive rock.
From its very first notes, Stigma, the third track, descends with a formidable, Black Sabbath-esque intro, a sonic avalanche that gathers momentum before gracefully dissolving as it reaches its serene valley. This extraordinary composition embarks on an expansive journey, soaring effortlessly between the intricate landscapes and the boundless expanse of an interstellar space trip.
one of the most exciting bands in the contemporary psych and prog rock music scene…
Throughout this cosmic journey, the sound of the keyboard takes centre stage with its extraterrestrial dance exuding an otherworldly charm, accompanied by the thumping bass and an increasingly surprising guitar sound. Indeed, the whole experience of Stigma radiates an enchanting, mellow, and profoundly pleasant atmosphere, drawing its listeners into its captivating orbit.
The preceding track, a masterclass in atmospheric composition, flows with an almost preordained elegance into the album’s closing opus, Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, creating a truly immersive sonic journey. Here, the band unfolds a breathtaking prog-space soundscape, immediately evoking the sprawling, contemplative grandeur of Pink Floyd’s Echoes with its profound melancholic undertones, abyssal darkness, and an expansive, cosmic solitude that permeates every note.
Its serene drift is punctuated by sudden, cataclysmic crescendos, akin to a meteor dramatically igniting across an inky, open sky; one can only imagine the profound narratives or existential musings these wordless passages might articulate, adding another layer to its enigmatic charm. This deeply imaginative rich piece not only foreshadows the album’s conclusion, but stands as an unforgettable experience in its own right.
Although their influences are calmly scattered around, what sets The Praise Of Folly apart is its ability to remain fresh and original. While many bands often feel haunted by their past works, L’ira Del Baccano embraces the present and builds upon their strengths. The album reflects a deep understanding of psychedelic and progressive rock while maintaining a heavy stoner edge. This fearless exploration allows the band to push boundaries, combining their rich musical heritage with a modern twist.
L’ira Del Baccano continues to innovate, ensuring their place as one of the most exciting bands in the contemporary psych and prog rock music scene. One last mention goes to the artwork, which is beautiful, classical, and baroque – strongly reminiscent, to my eye, of King Crimson’s In The Wake Of Poseidon.
Label: Subsound Records
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
