Crystals - Wrought Iron 1973

The ultra rare 1973 release from this Italian prog supergroup formed by members of PFM and Banco which hasn't been available for over three decades. Due to wrangles at the time it was never issued and is an undeniable piece of genuine Italian rock history. Sung in English by Carlo Degani with superb guitar by Marcello Todaro.

01. Wrought Iron
02. Time Out
03. Feeling
04. If She´s Still Mine
05. Sad Story
06. Persian Carpet
07. Policeman
08. Women Under Water

This is the only album by the Italian supergroup Crystals. Despite the fact that the Cramps had contracted the band for the disc, it went unreleased until the 1990s; Akarma issued it on CD in 2003. The band was under the direction of non-performing member Paolo Tofani (Area and Electric Frankenstein), who wrote all of the material and produced the recording sessions. The lineup included Giorgio Piazza (bass) from PFM, guitarist Nanni Civitenga from Samhadi, singer Carlo Degani, Marcello Todaro from Banco de Mutuo Soccorso, and percussionist/drummer Giorgio Santanderea from the underground wonders Alphataurus. There are only three vocal tracks on the album, all of which are throwaways. But the instrumentals alternate between great hard and heavy acid rock "If She's Still Mine," and heavy guitar prog workouts such as "Wrought Iron" and "Policeman," and shuffling hard rock epics such as "Women Under Water," with twin lead guitars. Altogether it's a fine disc that the vocals don't detract from. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide