"Though the focus on high caliber new progressive centered on Sweden lately, there is still a steady flow of impressive new Italian bands, following on after the likes of: Ezra, Winston, Nuova Era, Castello di Atlante, are a band who could create even more of a storm, namely Standarte. Why? Well, Standarte sound much more British than they do Italian, and they offer a genuinely creative progressive rock, heavy edged with excellent English vocals, lots of superb organ, Mellotron and guitars. Standarte dedicate their album to Atomic Rooster leader Vincent Crane, but if you never liked Atomic Rooster don't let that put you off, as this is a fresh and altogether different music.
A kind of conceptual opus, featuring occasional narration, energetic and complexly handled songs, fiery schizophrenic instrumental breaks. I can pick up all sorts of possible influences in the music, notably there's the heavy sound of 70's Italian bands like New Trolls, Ibis or Osanna, along with hints of Czar, Bodkin, Gravy Train, Jane, Eloy, Frumpy, etc. You can tell these guys have a great taste in music, and their influences are myriad, yet throughout they do establish a sound that's uniquely their own.
Right down to the Neon Records styled cover art (compare Anekdoten's debut CD), Standarte have got everything right. Hopefully they'll get the recognition they deserve."

Alan Freeman (Audion Magazine, 1995)