Reviews

Second album from Profusion is an interesting journey despite the fact that after couple of tracks it gets clear what this band’s music is all about. Songs are very melodic and while the instrumentation is very good, Profusion are not as flamboyant as many other prog rock bands tend to be. Band’s music is influenced by the likes of Dream Theater and Symphony X, but just as much by less obvious acts like Queen, King Crimson and even some aspects of Tool. However the band’s sound is their own. This is very much due to the arrangements and none the less due to very distinctive vocals delivered by Luca Latini. He pulls of just about anything aside from Rock N’ Rolf-ish narrative passages in otherwise very good “Treasure Island”. Latini also has a quite thick accent, which does affect some of the quitter moments on the album, but luckily never so much that it spoils the listening experience. Two-part piece “Tower” is the track that features the biggest display of technical abilities and as such it partly stands off from the rest of the material. The great instrumentation, however, is a scoop for prog fans. The production on the album is quite good and even the extremely compressed snare drum didn’t bother me that much, mostly because it doesn’t stand out as much from the overall sound as the case often is. RewoToweR pulls you in its world and I found myself just staring into the blue several times during the first spin, most noticeably during the compelling "Chuta Chani". Profusion’s second album is mighty display of this band’s talent and while it might not be revolutionary it feels like a breath of fresh air.
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With the huge amount of progressive metal releases that still roll out week after week, I'm at the stage where I'm pretty sure that there are more people making this style of music than there is actually buying it. Therefore the pressure is on for bands to come up with ideas that ensure their own forays into this genre sound at least a little individual. To their credit, this is something that Profusion keep a keen eye on their second album RewoTower, with unusual elements creeping into their sound, although when they concentrate on more standard prog-metal fare, to suggest that much of the Italian act's approach leans heavily on the usual Dream Theater references would be a massive understatement. That said, the four musicians involved in Profusion are skilled, creating sumptuous keyboard and guitar battles, while the bass teams up with ever busy and technical drumming to form muscular, if intricate surges. Vocally Luca Latini reminds of James LaBrie (is there a contract somewhere that prog metal vocalists have to sign stating they must at least use some of JL's vocal intonations on their albums??), although to be fair he is often singing against guitar lines and melodies that almost demand to be sung in this way. Elements of "Ghost House", "Taste Of Colours " (both part I & II) and especially "Dedalus Falling" hammer out fire breathing riffs, manic time changes and wonderful guitar-keyboard sparring, while the vocals swoop and soar. While all the time there's a nagging suspicion that you've heard a lot of this many times before, there's no denying that Profusion do it very well indeed.
www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=12644

"Ghost House" opens the record with a catchy riffs, addictive syncopation, and aggressive vocals. With both ferocity and fragility, singer Luca Latini definitely has a distinctive presence. The two-part "Taste of Colours" mixes balladry and heaviness expertly; specifically, the piano arrangements are superb. "So Close But Alone" introduces a bit of Middle Eastern flair, and the union of "Tkeshi" and "Chuta Chani" increases it substantially, making for arguably the best segue and most ambitious sections of RewoToweR. In fact, it's probably what a less extreme Orphaned Land would sound like.
www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=12644

Profusion's sound is quite melodic and easily accessible, but also complex and challenging enough to scratch my demanding 'prog itch'. Very much like Spock's Beard, Profusion manages to fuse catchy pop hooks with clever arrangements and brilliant songwriting - although finding this balance between accessibility and complexity without tipping too far in either direction is challenging, Profusion demonstrates that they are capable of doing exactly that on Rewotower. The melodic hooks will grab you right off the bat, and the strong compositions will keep you coming back for many more listens in the future. Rewotower's original approach doesn't go unnoticed by this reviewer either, and the band's firm grasp on tasteful eclecticism is quite impressive. Profusion strikes a nice balance between being eclectic and sounding incoherent, and this balance gives them a unique identity in the modern prog world. The frequent jazz flavorings, Dream Theater-influenced instrumental runs, symphonic arrangements, and pop sensibilities keep things fresh and interesting throughout all of Rewotower's 55 minute duration. Rewotower is the sort of album that should appeal to any listener across the progressive rock spectrum; the musicianship is phenomenal, the production is flawless, and the mature songwriting instantly reveals that Profusion is a group of gifted composers. I'll definitely recommend this one to fans of Spock's Beard, IQ, Pain of Salvation, Yes, and Echolyn - Profusion is a band too good to miss!
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=754124

Interview with band
www.goetiametal.com/entrevistas/entrevistaaprofusioningles2012.html

I hope this, the second album from Profusion, will bring the band the success it deserves. The music is a blend of powerful prog, with hints of pop sensabilities, all done with superb musicianship from all in the group. The best comparison I can make is that there is a similarity to my ears with the music of Karmakanik. On a base of classic symphonic prog, Profusion blends in a fair amount of metal riffs, but also adds in the diversity of groups such as Queen and 10CC in their sound. Precision seems to be a key to their sound. A tight rhythm section of drummer Vladimer Sichinava and bassist Luca Cambi never let up, while guitarist Thomas Laguzzi and keyboardist Gionatan Caradonna creat interesting tones and splendid solos. Vocalist Luca Latini has a very clear tone, reminding me at times of early Steve Walsh of Kansas, but mostly of Kasim Sultan of Utopia. We are a only third of the way through the year, but there is a strong possibility that this will be near the top of my list for favorites of 2012.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=750987

Being a vestige of the seventies prog / art rock effusions it is not often that a 21st century band will grab my attention straight away and I usually approach them with extreme predjudice and cynicism. In the case of Profusion's RewoTower ( I had never heard of the album or the band until last week ) I was sold after just one listen. If these guys don't make it I 'll move to another planet. Brilliant execution,superb production and masterful musicianship gets this baby an easy 4½ gold stars. Accolades.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=750321

6 long years for the band to come with a second offer, but they released it this year named Rewotower. With a slightly diffrent line up and with more bombastic moments this album is again a winner. The melodic side of prog metal is what they offer here, the band relies more on song orientated king of music even has some very intresting and complex chops here. Some again jazzy interludes between the melodic passages gives to this album a real enjoyble feel in the end. Great new vocalist, remind me sometimes of ACT music and Angra fame first era with Matos on bord, very nice and sincere vocal parts, specialy on pieces like Ghost house and Chuta Chani. Bombastic prog metal is what is here, but without sounding to metal, more towards the eclectic side of it, with plenty of memorable passages where the guitar and keybords make the law. Some stellar musicianship on Treasure Island where the prog/fusion metal is at the highest calibre like the bands name Prog meets Fusion is all about here. very nice album, very fat solid sound, and is very nice that they come back with a great second release and not falling in the category of the bands with one album released and then gone into oblivion. 4stars again, one of the top albums from this year and why nor in last years aswell.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=747153

Spirited, energetic music is at the core of what Profusion supplies on their sophomore effort "RewoTower", music bordering rather than combining the music of acts like Sylvan and Porcupine Tree, but with brief detours into both folk and fusion tinged waters. Fans of the aforementioned acts as well as progressive metal fans who don't mind the occasional rock flavors in their metal diet should find this disc to be worth checking out. A good quality excursion where the compressed production most likely will be the most contested feature.
www.progressor.net/review/profusion_2012.html

RewoTower doesn't really revolutionize or challenge conventions, but it's still more catchy, dynamic, and nuanced than many contemporary prog metal albums. Every track intrigues on several levels, and there's a sense of dedication and artistic prosperity throughout. Rather than rest comfortably within a safe formula, Profusion pile unique ideas onto familiar grounding, making the record stand out and undoubtedly appeal to genre fans.
www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=12644

An Italian / Georgian collective called Profusion launches ‘Rewotower’ under the flag of ProgRock Records. Immediately the band reminded me of Transatlantic, Spock's Beard and The Flower Kings and yeah Sieges Even too. That means at least a lot of variety and quality when these bands are the given references? Absolutely, singer Luca Latini takes the lead with his clear voice and the four musicians who assist him follow artistically. Funny is the double tracklist which you can use backwards too, like the album title is as well. But in the end it’s the music that counts and this album is more than worthy for the ProgRock Records label. Many keyboards in the overall sound but never overwhelming and the rhythm section complements each other well, Vladimer Lado Sichinava plays without the in your face performance like Mike Portnoy often does. These are the prog rock records that are the fresh wind in the avalanche of releases.
www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=21710&lang=en

All musicians did their utmost which resulted in eleven strong compositions. Most of these songs are catchy with fine riffs and the many outstanding solos on the electric guitars and synthesizers make sure that the listener has enough to enjoy. I won't go in detail about all the individual tracks, but some of them need some extra attention like Treasure Island, a catchy prog metal tune based on an old pirate song. Drummer Vladimer Sichinava sings the 'pirate' part in style and provides the song with a special sound. This also applies to So Close But Alone. This nice ballad includes strong Latin rhythms and a short acoustic guitar solo in the same style. Tkeshi and Chuta Chani have to be mentioned as well, because these two pieces are adaptations of Georgian folk themes. The blend of classical music and prog metal works very well on these tracks. RewoToweR is an excellent album full of virtuosity! The album really is a pleasure to listen to. Therefore it's highly recommended to people who like prog metal with a lot of variety.
www.backgroundmagazine.nl/CDReviews/ProfusionRewoToweR.html

Rather impressive is Gionatan Caradonna's keyboard work. It can be a playful and colorful use of synths as on Ghost House, or delightful piano on So Close But Alone. Also notable is Luca Latini's vocals which have a benignly compelling soulful side, adding a unique dimension to the songs. All in all, Profusion's Rewotower is quite entertaining, nearly flawless melodic progressive rock. Well recommended.
www.dangerdog.com/2012-music-reviews/profusion-rewotower.php

I went to know the existence of this band and this album from the "reviews discussions thread" forum on PA. I didn't know anything of the band and the polemic about this album made me curious so without knowing what I had to expect from it, I got in touch with the band which provided me a link to download the album. The first impression is that this contamination between "Prog" and "Fusion" which gives the name to the band is not to dissimilar from the music of From.Uz. The difference is that Profusion are more song-oriented and melodic. With clean high pitched vocals and heavy guitars they can sometimes remind to some 80s longhair metal bands. (I include Hackett and Howe's GTR project in the list), but also some neo-prog or symphonic influences as it's normal when one is considered "eclectic". The album is highly enjoyable and contains some very captivating melodies in particular "Chuta Chani" remains fixed in the listener's mind for hours after the listen, also thanks to the excellent production of the whole album.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=688698

Averaging the four minutes, the progressive sound will take over the completely field , first some more rock (reminding a bit Forniera Marconi Premiata one of the pioneers of Italian Progressive Rock) but after all the keys and the guitar will harden slightly by little sound. After about depth seven minutes we'll perceive sixty seconds of silence but the music back again. In the hidden track, with three minutes of life, we find in the beginning sounds infinitely mystical and progressive, almost new age, but the drums entrance the band we will recreate one of the best passages in the entire CD, the chorus of Ghost House. The album ends at the same way it begins like the ouroboros. I never tire of saying it? I think it's an excellent album, full of virtuosity, imaginative and super quality and should not go long for fans of Rock / Heavy Progressive. Visit the website of the band buy their two albums as well be contributing to that in a while we have another wonder one CD who will be the successor of this magnificent RewoTower.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=660539

I was asked to review a promo copy of this album, and boy oh boy am I glad I was. Profusion plays an incredibly dynamic kind of progressive rock (per their eclectic categorization, I suppose), blending elements of metal, art rock and more than a few influences from the bombastic symph-prog of the 70s. It all adds up to an incredibly satisfying album, and certainly one that deserves a listen.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=655702

Every song is excellent, but my favorite is “Chuta Chani”, which opens with a nice violin section, before the band unleashes the heaviest riff of the album, then quiets down again for the verses and chorus. The song continuously alternates between the two styles, and shows both the relaxing, often beautiful melodic side of the band, and the more intense metal side, which only comes out on a few of the songs. These two sounds blend together very nicely, making for an unforgettable track that stands as the highlight of the album. It also shows that while Luca is always very good, his voice is much more suited to the softer sections, as sometimes on the heavier parts he gets a little carried way, while at the quieter points he is very pleasant. He also has a very thick accent, though that isn’t a problem for me.
myglobalmind.com/2012/02/12/profusion-rewotower-review

It’s really amazing how the band managed to evolve since their debut album… I believe that the new guitarist along with the new voice brought a new fresh air to the band’s camp in general. The music became heavier and they also added influences from bands like: IQ, Arena, Marillion, Spock's Beard, Planet X, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree. Their new sound is truly much better than the one they used to have and I believe that by taking that new prog rock/metal path… they can achieve better things in their career.
www.grande-rock.com/reviews/profusion_-_rewotower

RewoTower is a truly enjoyable listen. The incorporation of so many diverse and disparate musical styles come together quite well at the hands of these seasoned musicians. There’s always the chance when you pull from such diverse sources that the compositions can sound disjointed, but here Profusion make it seem easy and fun. The general upbeat nature of the music makes it a pleasure to come back to over and over again. Great stuff – fans of proggy styled Art Rock should definitely take note of this band.
jerrylucky.com/reviews%20p-t_036.htm

The beginning of 2012 sees Profusion release their sophomore creation. Band was formed in 2002 and presented debut album "One Piece Puzzle" in 2006. It means band had 6 years to write and record "RewoToweR", and we can see the time has been used very efficiently, and dare I say, wisely. The album offers us energetic music, having heavy Neo Prog / Prog Metal base and enriched with Profusion (pun intended) of various very different styles and influences. Besides rich and melodic prog, listener can find Georgian Folk, Jazz, orchestrations, Latin rhythms, and even some Soul influences (brought about by the new vocalist) throughout album. All this said, album sounds absolutely cohesive and organic; it seems that Sichinava and friends have put thought in composition and arrangements throughout more than half a decade. The new vocalist, Luca Latini, has apparently done band good as his vocals have very wide emotional range of expression; he can sound very ethnic with his eastern-like vocal manipulations, or make his vocals soar in the best traditions of Neo Prog and at the moments even go full-on Prog Metal.
www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=607324