review by thomas

The similarities with RDM’s ”La Bibbia” are numerous:

· They both did a biblical concept album
· Both parties released it in 1971
· Both were basically guitar/bass/drums with occasional additions
· Though one group sings in Spanish and the other in Italian, the sound is never that far away from each other
· The overall quality is about the same

In other words this is heavy proto-prog rock but with more feeling and variation compared to RDM’s record and a bluesier or rockier approach to many songs. But what else is different, other than the language? Well Vox Dei is certainly as hard as RDM but they nevertheless incorporate more gentleness, characteristically on the second side. Another major difference is that Vox Dei’s album lasts over 50 minutes. Orchestration and a choir show up on the second, more melodic side, albeit the choir isn’t involved more than a few seconds. The singer is almost as good as the one in RDM, and considering the fact that the singer in RDM is excellent that is really something. The Grande Finale on the album – aptly titled “Apocalypsis” – is a major letdown though, it’s just a jammish piece with much guitars that really suck. Not a great way to finish the otherwise good album.

The bass playing is very good and enjoyable throughout the record, the drum sound is pleasant and the guitars are for most of the time good. A fine record for representation of the South American heavy progressive rock.