- Bryon Harris
Lorenzo Gabanizza - 'Demons'
Lorenzo Gabanizza has been a member of several important groups that have influenced his musical career. He credits Donovan as one of his major influences having met and worked with him in 1991. He was also the front-man for a Queen cover band Mantras. Gabanizza started a fund-raising program to help fight AIDS that was recognized by the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the organization that was founded soon after Freddie Mercury's death. Gabanizza also released an album of Queen covers, featuring his own composition "Freddie Still lives", the royalties of which were donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust. He has been a member of the Vic Elmes band Christie Again where he wrote the successful song "Meet Me at the River" that was featured in Christie Again Greatest Hits. In 2016, Gabanizza produced and recorded a self-penned album, Celtic Bridge (Italian way music), a popular concept CD entering the American download charts top 100. Gabanizza's version of "Danny Boy" gained him a place on the list of best Celtic performers in Italy. He has performed for 12,000 people at the worldwide event Celtica among others such as Vincenzo Zitello, Katia Zunino, and Celkilt. His album, "Roses in the sky" received rave reviews in Italy and entered the download charts having mentions and airplay from Italy to Texas. The album included Yvor Novello, awarded Jeff Christie, Luka Gabanizza, Stefano Guidi, Beppe Peracchi, vocalist Isabel and Max Gabanizza. In 2017, he released a single, "Feeding the Waves of War," a protest song against Trump's administration, under the management of John Toso which is permanently featured on Nobel nominee David Swanson's website. Currently, Lorenzo has released his latest single, "Demons", which includes a cover of the Linkin Park song "One more light" and donates all the royalties to the 320 change direction, founded by Chester's Bennington widow Talinda Bennington.
His newest single, "Demons", commences with an extended introduction comprised of contemplative ambiance and light percussion. At the twelfth bar, as the drum rolls off a riff, the music opens up dramatically with a deep rush of rock as the bass and grungy rhythm guitar kicks into the mix. Lorenzo enters singing, “Demons, are they walking through my veins? Are they talking through my heart? Are they conquering my mind, afterall? I’m alone.” Lorenzo has a radio-ready tenor voice with a clear tone that is easy on the ears. He demonstrates a dynamic vocal palette consisting of emotional and passionate expression that can move from a whisper to full-scale power-house singing with ease. This is heard when Lorenzo intensely sings the word “Demons.” Here he captures, musically and emotionally, what it feels like to be in battle with your inner demons.
About three and half minutes into the 5:26 minute piece, a tasteful electric guitar solo graces the composition with a sound that cries out in angst. Electronic vocal nuance is added for a truly haunting effect. In the end, Lorenzo, sings “Can somebody hear me?” The song ends with just the sound of percussion beating on as if the vocalist has either surrender or found peace and his heartbeat keeps living.
Please take a moment to check out the video of "Demons"
The inspiration for “Demons” came from the passing of two amazing human beings and artists of our time: Chester Bennington and Chris Cornell. People thought they had everything: fame, love, wealth, but material things - and even love - can’t negate depression. This concept inspired the song “Domons” and moved Lorenzo to support the 320changedirection organization. Lorenzo himself has struggled with struggled with depression since he was sexually abused from ages 7 to 11 and physically bullied at school and outside of school. It was a downward spiral that led to all corners of self-harm and back again. Today, Lorenzo is looking to end the stigma of mental health and open the doors to hope. “Demons” off his forthcoming album, “Out of Darkness”, is his story to share and his attempt to save himself and those who, like him, are struggling.
“Demons” is a powerful, raw, honest and poignant tribute for all who have suffered their own demons, for those who experience depression and other mental health issues, and Lorenzo’s writing and performance is both genuine and moving. Ultimately, the song "Demons" succeeds in casting out the darkness by opening the doors and sharing it with others - bravo Lorenzo - the world is listening.
For more information on Lorenzo Gabanizza, please visit his youtube channel.