Translated article:
Giusy Minervino, artistically known as Venus, began her musical journey at a very young age. At 10, she was admitted to the Conservatory where she studied piano, eventually earning her final diploma. A few years later, she developed a passion for opera and also earned a diploma in lyrical singing.
Since her teenage years, perhaps influenced by the turbulent history of her hometown, Benevento – which was the largest Lombard duchy in Southern Italy – her profound love for rock, hard rock, and heavy metal emerged, unveiling new musical horizons. She drew inspiration from iconic bands that shaped the rock era: Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Black Sabbath, W.A.S.P., Queen, Rush, Rainbow, and Journey. She has performed, played, and collaborated in creating arrangements in various vocal and instrumental groups, from opera to heavy metal, both as a soloist and as a choir member and keyboardist. In recent years, she began studying the electric guitar under the guidance of maestro Marco D’Andrea, guitarist for Planet Hard and his self-titled solo project, as well as a record producer.
Through her ongoing collaboration
and exchange of musical ideas with Marco, they conceived the idea for the album “Two-0-one-9”, written, arranged, and produced by Marco D’Andrea with lyrics by Venus. Artwork by Annalisa Forcella (Alf project). For the launch of the single “My Evil Side”, a video clip was produced featuring renowned professionals from both national and international music scenes such as Diego Cavallotti (Lacuna Coil), Marco Campailla (Exilia), Marco D’Andrea (Planethard), Ekaterina Dolgasheva (pianist and singer), and Andrea Bovolenta (Planethard).
The album features Nordic tones of power metal as if there’s no tomorrow. However, it’s not merely another clone of Nightwish and similar bands. Contrary to the usual trend, apart from the exceptionally talented singer, Venus, there are numerous soloists that enrich the musical fabric with their gems. Take, for instance, the compelling rhythm that strikes crisply, and Marco D’Andrea’s guitar that reigns supreme in “My Evil Side”. And how can one overlook the endless howl that breaks all barriers in “Stop Kill the Earth”? Or the electric storm of electrifying strings in the title track “Two-0-one-9”? Amidst all this metallic grandeur, melodically captivating, a ballad like “You Are the One” is a must, which perfectly concludes an album to be thoroughly enjoyed.
MAURIZIO DONINI
TuttoRock Magazine
Source article:
VENUS – TWO-0-ONE-9