The Samurai of Prog – The Best off Music

Following the previous Samurai of Prog album Anthem to the Phoenix Star, its successor once again features music written entirely by a single composer. This time the composer is Oliviero Lacagnina, known to many progressive‑rock listeners as a member of the Italian band Latte e Miele. The album’s title, The Man in the Iron Mask, refers to the well‑known legend concerning the supposed twin brother of Louis XIV, King of France from 1643 to 1715. During that period, an unidentified prisoner was held in the Bastille who, according to Voltaire, wore an iron mask. Voltaire claimed that this mysterious figure was the king’s hidden twin. According to later versions of the legend, when public unrest grew during the final years of Louis XIV’s reign, the Rosicrucians allegedly devised a plan to replace the king with his secret twin. The story also features prominent roles for the Three Musketeers and the influential Cardinal Richelieu. This long‑standing tale has inspired numerous books and films — and now serves as the conceptual foundation for a Samurai of Prog album, with music by Lacagnina and lyrics by Aldo Cirri and poet Sonia Vatteroni. The English versions of the lyrics were refined by Steve Unruh. For this album, the number of guest musicians is limited to eight, including four guitarists who each contribute to a sequence of tracks. Their performances are highly prominent in the mix, adding significant character to the album’s sound.
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