Arbeit macht frei

Within this work, Luglio, Agosto, Settembre (nero) became Area's first major hit and most recognizable song. Although it is said to be based on traditional Greek melodies like "Gerakina," its real inspiration comes from Don Ellis's "Bulgarian Bulge." The lyrics of this song are a strong statement about the situation in the Middle East. Curiously, in many editions of the 7-inch single, the word "nero" ("black"), an allusion to the Black September conflict in Jordan and a Palestinian organization, was censored, limiting its radio airplay. This track was released in jukebox format alongside Miña, a piece by the Italian band Aktuala. Another notable track is L'Abbattimento dello Zeppelin. According to Demetrio Stratos, the idea arose when, playing in a pub, they were asked to perform Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Not knowing it, they improvised what would become this song, which cost them their jobs. Guitarist Paolo Tofani even quotes Led Zeppelin's main riff during his solo. It is the most experimental track on the album, with strong influences of free jazz and the intention of dismantling conventional musical structures.

The recording of Arbeit macht frei featured Demetrio Stratos on vocals, Patrick Djivas on bass – who would later join Premiata Forneria Marconi – and saxophonist Eddie Busnello, both of whom left the band after this release. The lyrics were written by Gianni Sassi, under the pseudonym "Frankenstein," while the music was composed by Demetrio Stratos, Giulio Capiozzo, and Patrick Djivas, with the collaboration of Patrizio Fariselli on Consapevolezza. A particular detail is that all tracks were registered with the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE) in the name of Terzo Fariselli, Patrizio's father, as none of the group members belonged to said entity. In 2012, this album was recognized by ranking ninth on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 best Italian albums of all time.