MZ is yet another French band I did not know before having received the promotional package. However, it is not exactly unknown outside Portugal. Born from the mind of Markus Fortunato, seemingly a reputed bass player, MZ have released three other albums: Blood is Life (2000), Next World will be Yours (2001) (both through NTS, the former label of RHAPSODY, EDGUY, STRATOVARIUS, etc.) and Under the Silver Cross (2003, through Brennus Music).
The current release, Romantic, is entirely instrumental, with classical movements and structures, allied to a modern rock approach, which ultimately results in easily listenable yet complex music. That classical music is a chief inspiration to the band and it is also stated in the booklet – the last four tracks (Mandolins Concerto in C, Pathétique Sonata in D, Sonata in A, Andantino and Winter Concerto, Allegro non Molto) are well known to many of you, as they have been written by Mozart, Vivaldi, Beethoven and Schubert).
The last track is curiously very similar to THE SYMPHONYX’s latest offering too – the two bands chose the same passage, and rightly so. Listening to such skilled composition is actually a great thing to do. It is uncompromising yet clearly professional and mature. Man, we have been receiving a load of great albums lately – and not all of them report only to Death or Black Metal. MZ is a demonstration of solid evolution and mature thinking. While not being mainstream-ish, MZ are bound to please the truest of listeners, so long as there is a connection with intimacy, classical music and open-mindedness. Highly recommended.