ALTARE THOTEMICO

Altare Thotemico were formed in 2008 in Parma, led by experienced singer Gianni Venturi and talented young multi-instrumentalist Leonardo Caligiuri.The original line-up was completed by bassist Valerio Venturi (Gianni's brother), drummer Davide Zannotti and guitarist Enrico Scaccaglia.The band recorded the self-titled debut at the Prosdocimi Recording Studio in Carmignano di Brenta near Padova.It was released in 2009 on MaRaCash Records.

On this album Altare Thotemico seem to pay a tribute to the legendary Italian Prog and Jazz Rock scene of the 70's, offering a mixed bag of different tracks and trying to keep a balance between vintage references and more contemporary stylings.Almost every possible style that appeared in Italy during the 70's is present on the album.The first pair of tracks are closer to Classic Italian Prog with influences from P.F.M., BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO, ALPHATAURUS or MO.DO., having some great flute and organ parts combined with confident guitar work and incredible synthesizers.As the album unfolds more and more different aspects of 70's Italian Prog appear.From the delicate and improvised Jazz Rock of PERIGEO with the loose, jazzy structures to the impressive lyricism of ALAN SORRENTI next to his psychedelic musical experiments, and from the powerful Hard Prog of OSAGE TRIBE with the dynamic guitar riffs and the frenetic grooves to the dark and atmospheric Progressive Rock of IL BIGLIETO PER L'INFERNO with lots of flute and keyboard interplays along with very expressive vocals by Venturi and the pastoral but elegant approach of ERRATA CORRIGE, featuring a strong folky touch among the more proggier moments.The executions and performances of the group are great with plenty of interesting moments among the bunch of tracks, lots of instrumental madness and some of the very best Italian vocals you can listen to.

Maybe a more solid presentation of styles would have worked better for this album, on the other hand this talented Italian act presented so many styles with confidence and comfort.Warmly recommended, especially if you love the Italian Prog scene.