Scott's Song by Song #68: Karmamoi - Eternal Mistake
Welcome to issue #68 of Scott’s Song By Song (#scottssongbysong).For more information about this series, click here:
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Today’s album is from a band that I know many are familiar with, but I am not– modern Italian proggers, Karmamoi. They were formed in 2008 by drummer Daniele Giovonnoni with influences from both classic and modern prog. Over the years, they have gone through various lineup changes (maybe a candidate for a future Spotlight/In Focus?). The first album was released in 2011, and is the only one sung in Italian. This is their seventh studio album, titled “Eternal Mistake” to be released on April 17, 2026. As I have said, I am not familiar with them at all, so I am excited to give it a listen. This album comes courtesy of Anne Claire and Bad Dog Promotions. As always, I receive no additional compensation and can “call it like I hear it”. Also, as is my usual method, this is a cold listen.
The line up is as follows, and there are a couple of very special guests that most prog fans will recognize immediately:
Line-up / Musicians
- Valerio Sgargi / lead vocals, keys, guitars
- Alex Massari / guitars
- Alessandro Cefalì / bass
- Daniele Giovannoni / drums, backing vocals, keys
With:
- Adam Holzman / keys
- Randy McStine / guitars
- Susanna Brigatti / vocals
- Fabio Ferri / mixing and mastering
According to the information I received the album is about the following:
–Begin Quote–
With Eternal Mistake, Karmamoi present a story about love — but not the kind we expect. The album explores the relationship between a human and a humanoid: two souls reaching beyond the boundaries of logic and flesh, searching for authenticity in a world shaped by code and imperfection. It reflects on what happens when emotion confronts design, when empathy challenges programming, and when the heart discovers that even mistakes can be beautiful. Perhaps love itself is the eternal mistake — the one error we continue to make because it reminds us we are alive.
–End Quote–
Let’s dive in!
Track 1 - The Regrets (0:51) (Featuring Gabriele Giovannoni)
It seems that Gabriele is the brother of Daniele and had been connected with the band for some time, but never a full member. Gabriele provides a “voiceover” on this brief opener. He seems to be setting a rather dark scene for the album ahead, with some synths and sound effects backing him up. He is wondering aloud about how we got in the mess we are in, and that it may be “Too Late…” to do anything about it.
Track 2 - Lara is Your Name (5:49)
This follows directly from track 1, with ominous synth sounds and piano, before the drums lead the band into a moderate groove with a slight Pink Floyd feel. The vocals are low register, until the pre-chorus. The song begins to rock a bit harder when the chorus kicks in. Another verse follows, this time in the higher register. I like the sound of this. A great guitar solo enters at around 3:20. More spoken words come in following the solo “I created you…” (etc) in a menacing tone. There is a great heavy guitar riff following that, and the intensity of the song picks up as it approaches its ending. A great engaging track!
Track 3 - Don’t Knock on the Door (5:10)
Synth sounds sputter and fade in. While only slightly slower than the previous track, this one feels more laid back. There are some interesting tones as it goes along. After a melodic guitar solo, the music briefly pauses, then a piano part takes over. A hum that somehow reminded me instantly of how Ronnie James Dio hummed comes in, followed by a clean guitar part playing an arpeggiated figure. The full band returns at around 3 minutes. There are eerie choral-style backing vocals as we continue. At around 3:40, the guitar takes the spotlight back. At 4:15, things drop back out for vocals and piano to take over. File under “hauntingly beautiful”.
Track 4 - I’m Not on Your Side (4:36)
A rock guitar riff that sounds muffled starts off here along with dialog that sounds like 2 guys debating over which one knows more about technology. The band kicks in on the riff, and then we’re rockin’. This has a funky groove as the vocals enter. The riff comes back after a verse/chorus. There is a bridge at around the 2 minute point with a new feel. A cool descending progression takes us back to the rockin’ riff with a guitar solo. I like the harmonized guitar parts at the end of the solo. I believe we have gone into a meter of 7 following the solo. A short vocal bit closes out the song. I wouldn't have minded a little more of that! Strong track!
Track 5 - Nothing But (10:10) (Featuring Randy McStine)
Randy is one of the busiest guitarists in prog these days, but he is probably best known for his work with Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree. This is the longest track on the album. It begins with a blend of keyboard and guitar and delicate vocals in harmony; a quiet start to the song. After about a minute, the rhythm section kicks in with a syncopated beat. The meter is shifty, and deceptively complex. After a big vocal crescendo, and intense bridge, things quiet down a bit with clean guitars. The lead vocals are fantastic. Guitar with a vibrato effect and keys with drum accents lead into a GIANT sounding gothic chorus. The music is HEAVY but NOT metal. McStine’s solo begins at around 6:15, with constantly shifting meters. Of course, if you are familiar with his playing, you know it is stunningly good, but he makes it sound like a walk in the park. There is another heavy vocal section after the solo. Another melodic guitar feature follows. The tempo begins to rise, then the beat stops at around 8:30. Dreamy music follows, which takes us to the close of the track. What an adventure THAT was. Fantastic track!
Track 6 - The Mirror (2:13)
Deep, low pitched vocals start us off here, with minimal accompaniment. It sounds almost like an excerpt from an opera duet with 2 male singers. There are some cool synth sounds supporting the vocals. I definitely didn’t expect that. But it worked!
Track 7 - No Soul (6:12)
Ominous gothic style vocals enter with a power chord. The character then sings a quiet lament about having no soul with electric piano accompaniment. Strangely, after that ominous introduction, this first verse wouldn’t be out of place on a Supertramp album from a musical standpoint. The chorus takes it up though with higher pitched anguished vocals. I love the contrasting sections. They are certainly a dramatic band! At 4:00 on the nose, a guitar solo takes over. It is quite jazzy at the ending segment of the song. This is a seriously engaging track that gets your attention. A bit over the top, sure, but why not? I love it.
Track 8 - Eternal Mistake (4:43)
On to the title track. Vibrating guitar arpeggios and electric piano start it off. The vocals enter in harmony. The drums hit a big fill and the beat kicks in around 1:25. I love the way the vocals overlap the beginning of the guitar solo. These are talented musicians indeed! The vocal performance here is outstanding! The arrangement is massive and orchestral. At 3:45 things quiet down, and then we have a softer verse. It ends a bit randomly, and there are some almost imperceptible guitar tones as the song ends. Great track, even if it seems a bit unfinished, but I suspect it leads into the next song.
Track 9 - The Question (1:45)
This fades in very slowly, and a “computerized” voice speaks to us. The Question seems to be “Do you have a soul? What is a soul?” It also questions what humanity is. The music becomes warmer and more hopeful. It leads directly into the next track.
Track 10 - We Are Going Home (4:15) (Featuring Susanna Brigatti)
Susanna Brigatti sings with a Pink Floyd tribute band called “IF”. The song begins with piano chords and vocals from Valerio. Susanna’s voice enters as Valerio finishes a verse, then she sings a verse of her own and her voice is amazing. They sing back and forth conversationally, before coming together in harmony. This song is simply beautiful. Both singers are putting on a masterful vocal display. The drums lead the band in at around 3 minutes in. Valerio sounds absolutely joyful with a big laugh. This feels like a glorious finale, yet 3 songs remain. Anyone who appreciates great singing will love this track.
Track 11 - Hero (9:46) (Featuring Adam Holzman)
Holzman is another great player, this time on keyboards, known best for his work with Steven Wilson. The second longest track begins with a bit of a jazz fusion groove featuring electric piano and a complex drum groove. Odd meters abound here. A staccato, syncopated rhythm comes next. But the fusion grooves soon return. The vocals are wonderfully harmonized with LOTS of reverb. There is another change of rhythm around 2:30. Holzman’s solo begins just before 3:30, and it's awesome, if brief. We hit a bridge at around 5 minutes. Another synth solo from Holzman follows, yet it, too, is brief. A keyboard melody brings the lead vocal back in then things turn ominous again. The gothic-choir type vocals come back. Then Holzman gets another turn in the spotlight, longer this time, with a fast groove underneath. It abruptly stops at around 7:40. Things drop way down and peaceful chords lead in the gentle vocals. Piano takes over and mixes with the vocals as the track nears its conclusion.
Track 12 - Passing Away (5:47)
A rock guitar riff with layers of wordless vocals start this off. Despite the title, the song has a bouncy beat and feels quite cheerful. The part around 2:30 reminds me of Kansas. Nice guitar solo just after the 4 minute mark. It builds up toward the ending and comes to a hard stop with lots of echoes. Cool Track.
Track 13 - No Fucking Way (2:41)
A rock guitar riff starts off, but there are lots of “skidding” sounds along with it. The vocals start by wailing the title line. Then there is a chant that says (if I’m not mistaken) “Brain control, I got your soul.” A key change leads to a guitar solo, followed by the return of the chant. The song title is whispered at the end of the song. A final punctuation to the album.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:
What a dramatic album! As I stated, I think this would be a great experience to see it staged and acted out. The playing is great and the vocals are simply breathtaking! I hope that her guest appearance brings Susanna Brigatti lots of attention, because she has a superstar level voice. My only issue is that sometimes the arrangements get a little too dense and some of the clarity of the individual instruments gets a little lost in the mix; but that’s a minor quibble. Plus the guest appearances from McStine and Holzman are icing on an already delicious cake. I'll give this fine effort a 4.5 out of 5 stars or 90%. I definitely need to investigate their back catalog if this is indicative of their sound and style. If you like dramatic, well-performed music with a prog-bent, definitely check out Eternal Mistake!
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Prog On!
Scott
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LINKS FOR LISTENING AND BUYING
There is an “Official Trailer” for the album, set to premiere as soon as the album is officially released:
https://youtu.be/dN0pBgjWy2Y?list=RDdN0pBgjWy2Y
However, there is a full music video for “Lara Is Your Name” here:
https://youtu.be/ovkjFSKUsO0?list=RDovkjFSKUsO0
Here is the Bandcamp link where it can be ordered:
https://karmamoi.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-mistake
And their website:
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