Naming themselves after a 1504 bloody battle on a narrow cobblestone path in Bologna, Italy, Vicolo Inferno started in 2003, slowly releasing a demo and EP while getting more shows and rehearsals under their belts. Two albums would follow in 2013 and 2016, including some overseas shows in the UK – leading to this latest studio record for Circles. The quartet take on a new drummer in Renzo Cuomo – honing down twenty compositions into the ten best tracks. Style-wise you can expect a mix of post-grunge meets groove metal, focused songs that accentuate instantaneous heavy hooks that musically sweep the listener away.
The semblance of low-tuned power chords next to simplified yet no less effective bass/drum foundations keep the main arrangements moving at a brisk, swinging pace where most listeners will easily gravitate towards the ideas without trouble. Renzo flexes a bit of his impressive fill chops in spots of “Sneeze in a Mob”, where guitarist Marco Campoli executes thoughtful rhythms plus equally complimentary lead break activities that fit the needs of the Alice in Chains meets Chevelle-like atmosphere. Thick, punchy bass lines from Wallace penetrate in a classic Black Sabbath way even against swirling post-grunge vocal melodies for “10,000 Pieces”, while another mid-tempo back half favorite “Handle With S(Care)” slams home great give and take interplay between all the musicians, the bluesy solo next to the solid groove sure to go down a storm when aired live. What could be an ultimate love it or leave it aspect to overall appeal for this group comes in the form of singer Igor Piattesi and his semi-accented delivery. He has the chops to go up and down a specific register – but it’s clear when you hear his mid-range or slightly above note choices, he’s not going to be considered in the caliber of Layne Staley or Chris Cornell.
Leaning more towards the commercial side of alternative, post-grunge hard rock/groove metal, Vicolo Inferno deliver a competent record for Circles – but won’t be something that really stands the test of time. Especially when you compare this effort to the greats during the 1990’s-2000’s in this style, it won’t measure up to the classics.