Kingcrow

Kingcrow is an Italian progressive metal band formed in Rome in 1996. The group begins under the name Earth Shaker, founded by Diego Cafolla on guitars and Manuel Thundra Cafolla on drums, before changing its name to Kingcrow, a title inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Raven”.

Early releases and line-up changes

The band’s first promo CD, Eyes Of Memories, appears in 1997 with Stefano Tissi on vocals. A second promo, Hurricane's Eye, follows in 2000 and shows the band moving towards progressive material while still using hard rock and metal elements. Their first official studio album, Something Unknown, is released in 2001, and Ivan Nastasi joins the same year as guitarist. Stefano Tissi is replaced in 2002 by Mauro Gelsomini, whose vocal style becomes part of the band’s later direction. In June 2003, the group records the three-track promo Matzmariels.

Concept albums and studio work

Kingcrow next records a conceptual album, Insider, which the band presents as a continuous flow of emotions told through music. During 2004 and 2005, the group builds its own recording studio in Rome. Timetropia is then recorded and released worldwide by Lucretia Records International. The album is described in the band’s history as a rock opera in the tradition of works such as Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar and Operation: Mindcrime.

Later activity and personnel

In 2007 and 2008, Kingcrow performs live at major Italian hard rock and heavy metal festivals, including Gods Of Metal, where the line-up includes new bassist Angelo Orlando. During the recording sessions for Phlegethon in February 2009, Francesco D'Errico joins on bass, Mauro Gelsomini leaves, and Diego Marchesi becomes the new vocalist. Phlegethon is released by Scarlet Records in 2010, followed by In Crescendo in 2013 and Eidos in 2015.

Style and line-up

Kingcrow’s music develops from classic hard rock and heavy metal roots into progressive rock and progressive metal. The band’s sound is associated with influences such as Porcupine Tree, Riverside, Opeth, Orphaned Land and Dream Theater in quieter passages. The line-up listed for the group includes Diego Marchesi on vocals, Diego Cafolla and Ivan Nastasi on guitars, Francesco D'Errico on bass, Manuel Thundra Cafolla on drums and Cristian Della Polla on keyboards.