Kayleth Post “Forma e Sostanza” Cover Honoring Classic Italian Rock
Fair enough for Verona’s Kayleth to be looking back at the history of Italian heavy rock and roll as they hit the 2o-year mark in 2025. The five-piece released their latest album, New Babylon, last year through Argonauta, and as a standalone tribute, they post “Forma e sostanza” taking on a song originally by C.S.I. and released in 1997. That was nearly 30 years ago, by the way. Just in case you’re as old as I am and have completely lost perspective on these things.
I won’t lie to you and say I was previously familiar with either that band or the song, but the original is a groover and the heavy treatment Kayleth give it, with the synth going all the while and the tonal roll that emerges, is a welcome showcase of what they’re bringing to the proceedings. I doubt they had ‘educating bloggers’ on their to-do list for the Fall season, but I guess sometimes these things happen inadvertently. I learned something today.
The PR wire has more background for your perusal. Song’s at the bottom, of course:
KAYLETH Release Their Own Take on Italian Rock Milestone “Forma e sostanza”
Italian stoner rockers KAYLETH are proud to announce the release of their cover version of “Forma e sostanza”, originally written and performed by the legendary C.S.I. (Consorzio Suonatori Indipendenti), one of the most influential names in Italian rock history https://song.link/kayleth_fs
“Several years ago, we were asked to arrange a song by C.S.I. for a commemorative compilation,” the band recalls. “We chose Forma e sostanza for its powerful riffs and hypnotic rhythm, paired with lyrics fiercely addressing capitalism and politics. We remained faithful to the essence written by C.S.I., while adding our own sound that makes the track even more raw, scratchy and psychedelic. The compilation was never released and, after years under the dust, we decided to share this version with the world, especially in today’s troubled historical period.”
With their reinterpretation of Forma e sostanza, Kayleth pay tribute to a timeless anthem of Italian music, filtering it through their own heavy, space-infused vision.
Formed in Verona in 2005, Kayleth built their sonic identity on the foundations of stoner and desert rock, drawing inspiration from pioneers such as Kyuss, Monster Magnet and 35007, while blending in strong space rock influences.
Their live shows, full of spacey atmospheres, doom-laden heaviness and psychedelic breaks, have seen the band share stages with OJM, Deville, Bud Spencer Blues Explosion, Verdena, Naam, Spiral Arms, Scorpion Child and Stoned Jesus.
With the addition of a full-time synthesizer player in 2013, Kayleth expanded their horizons into cosmic and psychedelic territories, leading to the release of their acclaimed full-length “Space Muffin” (2015, Argonauta Records). The band’s discography further includes the split vinyl “Second Coming of Heavy – Chapter 6” (Ripple Music, 2017), the extended edition “Space Muffin – Rusty Edition” (2017), “Colossus” (2018) and “2020 Back to Earth” (2020), both highly praised by critics and audiences alike. Their latest studio album, “New Babylon”, was released in 2024 via Argonauta Records.
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