This makes part 3 of his trilogy the culmination and pinnacle of a series of musical offerings which began in 2005 with the arrival of the purely acoustic Part 1 and was continued impressively in 2006 with the electric (and electrifying) Part 2. “This is not a continuation of part 2,” Dominici points out unequivocally. “It is the final part of three. Musically, it is obviously different from part 1, because part 1 was all acoustic and only performed by myself. Parts 2 and 3 are similar to each other musically in that they are both prog metal with a full band. Lyrically, part 3 is totally different from the other two parts because the story is finally concluded and much of the mysteries presented throughout the first two parts are finally made clear. Part 3 is the grand finale, both lyrically and musically.”
A truly furious finale, in which Dominici was supported by his technically outstanding band, which continues to consist of Brian Maillard (guitar), Yan Maillard (drums), Americo Rigoldi (keyboards) and Riccardo Atzeni (bass). An almost one-hour extravaganza of long instrumental parts, virtuoso solo passages and haunting vocals which repeatedly send shivers down the listener’s spine. Dominici reacts emphatically to the question whether the 03 Trilogy in general and the finale in particular have a specific moral, a message for their audience: “There is nothing but morals, lessons and messages. That’s the whole point of the story. You can call it ‘The DOMINICI Code’ if you like.”
Following the impressive chapters of the two predecessor albums, Dominici decided to try a new approach for the final part of his socially critical story. “Part 3 was done differently than both other parts. I decided I wanted to try something new and it worked as well as I had hoped it would. I waited to write a single word until I began writing the music with the band. The lyrics for Part 3 were not written, they were ‘grown’ like a garden. I separated eight blank word files and wrote the synopsis for each song at the top. I then went to each file as we were completing the music and completed the lyrics. I did it this way so the story had the best chance of being fully completed in the limited amount of time a CD can provide.”
This approach has produced some impressive results. Dominici has surpassed himself again, coming up with an awesome recording. This is certainly not what you’d call superficial background music! However, Dominici’s prognosis of his future recordings makes clear just how much energy and concentration this extremely demanding project has cost him. His answer to the question whether he is planning to tackle a similar project in the near future leaves little doubt: “Never again! I will never do another concept album as long as I live. This was the most difficult music and concept to complete although it was very rewarding and satisfying as an artist. Maybe I’m just a wimp, but I kind of feel the same way I feel about the recent loss of my beloved cat, ‘Tigger’. I loved the experience of knowing her, but I don’t think I would want to subject myself to this kind of pain again. No more cats, no more concept albums!”
Bio by: Matthias Mineur for "Inside Out Music, 2008
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Line-up:
Charlie Dominici - vocals
Brian Maillard - guitar
Yan Maillard - drums
Americo Rigoldi - keyboards
Erik Atzeni - bass
Check out the official DOMINICI website and forums at http://www.dominici.com!
I Will Return
Dominici Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In L.A. the freeway puts drivers to sleep at the wheel
The hum of the jet planes that rattle the windows below
These people have so much to learn, but I will return
The priests and the teachers that violate their oath to serve
The stories in tabloids all seem to expose a raw nerve
The murder for money, the news a reality show
High paid politicians that promise a world of relief
Their carefully chosen words hiding the plans of a thief
The popular President smiles and declares a new war
The pages of history turn, so I will return
A man in a prison found hanging alone in his cell
Had scratched on the walls a true story too gruesome to tell
His music touched millions but did he touch the children as well?
The courts of opinion adjourn, and I will return
The story repeated for forty days and forty nights
The faithful that followed them offered up earthly delights
The sirens were singing and bringing them all to the light
Religion is not my concern, though I will return
Dominici's song "I Will Return" is a reflective and political piece that criticizes certain aspects of modern society. The first verse references the hustle and bustle of Wall Street and the dangers of driving on Los Angeles freeways. The song then shifts to criticize authority figures, such as priests and politicians, who have failed to serve their duty to the people. This includes the media's obsession with sensationalist news stories, and the corrupt practices of those in power, who use carefully chosen words to hide their true intentions.
The lyrics also explore themes of imprisonment and injustice, with the haunting image of a man who hanged himself in a prison cell after a lifetime of serving as a musician. This is contrasted with the story of religious leaders who offer earthly pleasures to their followers, only to abandon them later on. Ultimately, despite the failings of the world around us, the singer declares that they will return and set things right.
Overall, "I Will Return" is a powerful song that stands as a critique of modern society, questioning the motives of those in power and urging listeners to stay hopeful for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
On Wall Street the players all practice the art of the deal
The financial market traders are highly skilled negotiators.
In L.A. the freeway puts drivers to sleep at the wheel
Driving along the extremely busy roads in Los Angeles can make people feel extremely sleepy and tired.
The hum of the jet planes that rattle the windows below
The sound of the planes is so loud and disturbing that it causes the windows to shake and the people to feel uneasy.
These people have so much to learn, but I will return
Even though the people are unaware of many things and need to improve, the singer promises to come back and provide assistance.
The priests and the teachers that violate their oath to serve
Some religious leaders and educators do not fulfill their duty as promised.
The stories in tabloids all seem to expose a raw nerve
The news reported by the less serious newspapers always seems more offensive and unorthodox.
The murder for money, the news a reality show
The media is fixated on reporting about crimes committed in exchange for cash while making it seem like a well-packaged drama.
The kids watch the High Schools burn, yet I will return
Some students witness fires destroying their educational institutions, however, the singer will come back to provide support to those affected children.
High paid politicians that promise a world of relief
The well-compensated politicians guarantee an easy fix for deep-rooted problems but individuals can be skeptical of their effectiveness.
Their carefully chosen words hiding the plans of a thief
The politician’s speeches and language skillfully conceal their true intentions and characteristics.
The popular President smiles and declares a new war
The admired political leader displays happiness while announcing an unwarranted conflict.
The pages of history turn, so I will return
Even amid the evolution of time and history, the singer will keep coming back to support the people.
A man in a prison found hanging alone in his cell
A lone prisoner commits suicide by hanging himself in his cell.
Had scratched on the walls a true story too gruesome to tell
The prisoner scarred the walls of the cell revealing a grotesque tale of horror and suffering.
His music touched millions but did he touch the children as well?
Although the man's music was successful in appealing to older individuals, the singer questions if it has had the same effect on young people.
The courts of opinion adjourn, and I will return
After the judgment verdicts of the people and with a strong sense of determination and perseverance, the singer will come back to support.
The story repeated for forty days and forty nights
A series of events reiterated for a prolonged period of time.
The faithful that followed them offered up earthly delights
The loyal followers offered worldly pleasures as bait to win over others.
The sirens were singing and bringing them all to the light
The people's strong beliefs were luring them towards the supposedly virtuous path, symbolized by sirens' call.
Religion is not my concern, though I will return
Even though the singer is not interested in religion, he will keep coming back to help people regardless of faith.
Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.