Barock ProjecT
„Time Voyager“
Symphonic Rock, Progressive Rock. CD with Booklet. 2024

In 2003, pianist, singer, and composer Luca Zabbini founded the progressive Baroque ProjecT in Modena, Italy. As a prog fan, I wonder whether this symphonic prog offers anything new or simply draws on existing vintage prog from the 70s and the neo-melodic prog of the 80s and 90s. Porcupine Tree also draws on these influences, but creates something unique from them. Since I'm only familiar with Time Voyager, their seventh album, I can't assess the evolution of BP's (Barock ProjecT's) music. However, what I can say about this concept album is that it was recorded and produced to a very high standard by very good musicians.

As much as I like the overall design of the digipak, I get the distinct impression that it's AI-generated. If that's the case, please indicate this on the CD. I haven't found any information about the artwork on the CD, in the booklet, on Discogs, or on the official website. Please be transparent if AI was used in the artwork. It looks really good, but it lacks life. AI doesn't care about that; only a human can breathe life into art. We'll be seeing this more often now, some to increase their profits, smaller bands to save costs. I simply expect transparency. Please contact me if you know who created the artwork.

So what does it sound like? Smooth, not overly symphonic, vintage prog and neo-melodic prog. I'm very picky (when it comes to symphonic rock) and I hardly ever like it. But if it's incorporated as nicely as it is here, then sure. However, BT risks drifting into kitschy mainstream commercialism. The very well-crafted prog sections immediately save the first song, "Carry On." It, like track 2, "Summer Set You Free," which borders on medieval and Celtic kitsch, is reminiscent of Arena, Pendragon, IQ, The Mission, or Kansas. BT's beautiful prog-like parts also save song 2. Number 3, "An Ordinary's Day's Odyssey," strongly reminds me of IQ. So far, at least on this CD, I'm missing that originality. Not that the songs should be ashamed of themselves. But track 4, "The Lost Ship Tavern," does get on my nerves. A little less medieval pop, please. Even so, it still has its strong prog elements. With "Voyager" comes a very spacey, proggy, rocking "ballad," and for the first time, it sounds more original, even if it still evokes the usual suspects.

The remaining songs aren't bad, but for me, they're interchangeable. Except for "Voyager's Homecoming"—I wish there had been more of that. Because none of it is new or original enough to hold my attention for long. Technically, though, there's nothing to complain about. Good musicians, absolutely clean production. It's a listenable album, but I'd rather listen to the band's inspirations. Perhaps a less polished, symphonic "baroque" sound would help. More experimental, progressive baroque? That might be more distinctive.

Musical Arrangements written by – Eric Ombelli (Titel: 1 to 10, 12), Luca Zabbini (Titel: 11)
Bass Guitar – Francesco Caliendo (Titel: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 9 to 12), Luca Zabbini (Titel: 3, 7, 8)
Co-producer, Drums, Percussion, Bouzouki – Eric Ombelli
Electric Guitar – Marco Mazzuoccolo
Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals, Bouzouki, Orchestra Arrangements – Luca Zabbini
Lead Vocals – Eric Ombelli (Titel: 11), Luca Zabbini (Titel: 8, 10, 12)
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Alex Mari
Lyrics by – Antonio De Sarno, Eric Ombelli, Giorgio Franceschetti, Luca Zabbini
Produced by, Recorded by, Mixed by, Mastered by – Luca Zabbini

The photos are all from my CD. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

No AI was used in the making of this Review.
©22.08.2026