ALPHATAURUS

Though far from bootleg standards, Dietro L'Uragano is not exactly studio quality either, the first half sounding slightly more listenable than the second. To make matters worse, these recordings were sullied with the use of NoNoise Sonic Solutions, a digital noise reduction tool which has notably compromised the catalogs of David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, among others. This 1992 archival release had the life sucked completely out of it, but you cannot degrade its importance or historical value because of these mastering choices. If anything, Ciro Perrino is to be applauded for his tireless attention and hard work for Mellow Records in the 1990s and beyond, salvaging and publishing many such recordings. On the flip-side, these releases were usually limited in nature, and the now-ridiculously-rare and overly expensive Dietro L'Uragano would not be a worthwhile pursuit for the average prog fan, or even the casual RPI fan.

Regarding the actual music: "Ripensando E..." is the most complete of the four tracks, not suffering terribly from lack of vocals; this actually allows more space around the instruments, particularly keyboards, and permits the band to shine on its own merits. Although the songwriting is not quite the same caliber as on the self-titled album, there are definitely some good ideas here. "Valigie di Terra" is less successful, taking almost five minutes to find a groove before finally capturing that elusive Alphataurus magic. I especially love the nasty cluster chord, previously used in "Peccato D'Orglio," courtesy of organist Pietro Pellegrini. Unfortunately "Idea Incompiuta" and "Claudette" do nothing for me, despite the appearance of vocals in the latter. Dietro L'Uragano displays a group at the peak of its powers, and though I still prefer these original recordings to the studio versions on AttosecondO, I can't really recommend either.

With the release of a long-overdue sequel just recently, it seems as good a time as any to review this classic. Released in 1973, Alphataurus offered their self-titled debut in the midst of the so-called Italian Progressive renaissance. The musical quality was certainly there, but the quintet never achieved the same exposure and fanbase as the scene's bigger names, largely as a result of the band splitting up shortly after the album was released. Although a follow-up album was technically released, the sophomoric "Dietro L'Uragano" was left rough and incomplete. In other words, "Alphataurus" remained a solitary gem in the Italian prog rock canon for close to forty years, until the band finally rekindled spirits for a true-to-form follow-up in 2012 with "AttoSecondO". This history aside, Alphataurus' original contribution to the Italian scene remains fresh and memorable. With talent, skill, and an experimental flair shared by few within the peak RPI crowd, Alphataurus' debut is a remarkable album, made disappointing only by the fact that the band never went any farther with it.

Although the recent "AttoSecondO" followed a more traditional RPI approach, "Alphataurus" is defined within the Italian progressive scene by a sense of adventure and bending conventions that were already in firm place in the scene by the time 1973 rolled around. At their heart, Alphataurus carry the 'Rock Progressivo Italiano' flag with pride. Bombastic vocals (performed here by Michele Bavaro), a heavy synth presence and theatrical atmosphere are all present within Alphataurus' sound. Although scene legends like Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso and PFM made do with these conventions and perfected them within their sound, Alphataurus deliver a more eclectic angle.

They don't achieve the refined precision of either band, but the relatively experimental attitude makes "Alphataurus" that much more of an interesting album than many in the scene. This is not to say that Alphataurus take the Italian progressive sound to the verge of avant-garde; rather, Alphataurus are consciously working with RPI staples and fusing them with sounds and variety that you wouldn't normally hear in the style. For instance, "Dopo L'uragano" contrasts familiar, warm and sophisticated vocals with doomy metal riffs that could have been ripped from the Black Sabbath canon. The album's wonderful highlight "La Mente Vola" opens with a hypnotic introduction that could have been on one of Tangerine Dream's more rock-oriented albums. Listeners who haven't heard much from the Italian progressive scene before probably won't identify these elements as being unconventional for RPI, but there is no denying the sheer variety Alphataurus bring to the table with this debut.

Of course, the downside to this variety and stretching of the RPI genre's boundaries is that the album's flow can come across as a little rough. While each composition is impressive on its own (with the mini-classical instrumental "Croma" and the ever-amazing "La Mente Vola" taking their spots as the album's best), "Alphataurus" lacks the masterful album-craft that some of the better-known Italian bands enjoyed through their glory days. Although a solid production and impressive musicianship give Alphataurus an impression of skill and experience, I get the sense here that the band had some room to improve on the next album. Had their inspiration and creative chemistry kept up, it's very possible that we would have had an even better follow-up album on our hands, possibly taking the band's penchant for experimentation down a more cohesive route. Alas, we were left with "Dietro L'Uragano" as a consolation prize, and while the arrival of "AttoSecondO" has answered many an RPI lover's silent prayers, I don't think anything could have replaced another full album by the band in their heyday. Regardless, "Alphataurus" deserves its place in Italian progressive canon, and anyone who has ever once had the outsider's common complaint that Italian progressive rock 'all tends to sound the same' would do well to check this record out. It's excellent stuff.

Almost forty years ago, a little-known band called Alphataurus released their self-titled debut to the world. Although they are still arguably little-known (largely due to the fact that they called it quits after an half and a half), "Alphataurus" is one of the wonderful gems of the Italian progressive rock scene. Alphataurus essentially perfected their sound on their first try, and with that in mind, it's an even bigger shame that they split up so soon after. While it's conceivable Alphataurus would have come out with several more great albums throughout the 70's, the band is now making up for lost time. Just earlier this year, they released "Live in Bloom", a remarkable and charismatic concert recording taken from their Progvention appearance. If that wasn't enough to indicate Alphataurus are back on their feet, they have done something that quite a few RPI fans had hoped for ages. Keeping in mind that the work-in-progress "Dietro l'Uragano" isn't considered a proper album to begin with, "Alphataurus" finally has a successor worthy of its name. "AttosecondO" may not add much upon the sound of the original, but for a scene that's still largely trying to recreate the magic that the original Italian progressive legends such as they kindled, Alphataurus sound as strong as ever.

Stylewise, it's as if Alphataurus have been frozen in time. Although the production standard enjoys the conveniences of modern technology and a lifetime of experience, Alphataurus are in essence the band they were when they left the public ear decades ago. While the stagnation of style would normally mean artistic death for a band, Alphataurus sound ear and enthusiastic. The music is a feast of vintage synths, quirky time signatures and phonic exploitation of the rich Italian language. Although the debut sounded more experimental in its context, "AttosecondO" sounds just as thoughtful. Claudio Falcone's vocals add a wonderful touch to the fleshy arrangements. Although not as theatrical a performance as some of the other Italian prog coming out these days, he has a powerful resonance to his voice. As is the case for most Italian prog, Anglophones will be left in the dark as far as lyrics go, although the emotion is certainly there.

Although Alphataurus enjoy a well-rounded sound and one of the most professional mixes I've heard in progressive rock this year, "AttosecondO" is most definitely a keyboard-oriented album. Considering that the band sports two keyboardists (Andre Guizzetti and Pietro Pellegrini) with a third on call (guitarist Guido Wassermann), this shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Alphataurus still manages to sound rich and even heavy by RPI standards however, the synth and organ textures they choose are always a joy to hear. The organs tend to add texture to the rhythm and understated guitar riffs, whereas the moog-ish synths play some bright lead work. Although the dramatic, symphonic RPI staple sound is ubiquitous throughout "AttosecondO", Alphataurus use this well-worn formula to traverse an impressive span of emotional ground. "Progressiva-Mente" kicks off the album on an upbeat, enthusiastic note, but by the time "Claudette" rolls around, Alphataurus have fallen to a melancholic depth, and though I cannot understand the Italian lyrics, the mood and mournful tone of the voice sounds like the speaker has lost someone dear to them.

Alphataurus tend to stick to the predetermined instruments and tricks of Italian prog, and they're able to do this while keeping the emotions fresh and evocative. It builds proudly upon an already-excellent Italian progressive tradition, and while it may never have the same far- reaching influence within the scene as the eponymous debut, "AttosecondO" still rates as one of the strongest RPI records to come out in a while. Their age regardless, Alphataurus have proven that their sound- and by extension, the sound of Italian progressive rock- is timeless, and that is quite an accomplishment in of itself.

Despite being a new studio album, a large proportion of AttosecondO comprises of reworking's of the unfinished Dietro U'Ragano, now presented presumably how they were intended to sound in the first place. I'm pleased to say it's an unmitigated success. The sound of AttosecondO is not surprisingly slicker than their 40 year old debut, better played too. They still retain a few of the hard rock edges in places but in truth AttosecondO could be the work of an entirely different band. This is not meant in any way as a criticism - it would be ridiculous to expect a band to return after such a length and sound the same. It's much more symphonic in sound than the original band, more complex too. Those who've enjoyed the comeback album's over recent years by Delirium and Latte E Miele are certainly advised to check this out but Alphataurus rock harder than either and despite my fondness for the former two bands better for it. There's the obligatory nod to the classic seventies band's here but in truth the new Alphataurus have more in common with, though not necessarily sounding like the new breed of RPI such as Il Tempio Delle Clessidre, La Coscienza Di Zeno and Ubi Maior to name a few.

This is a great album from start to finish - only five tracks with only one under eight minutes giving them plenty of opportunity to stretch out, the powerful rhythm section laying the foundation's for some impressive instrumental work, including some great organ which shifts through many changes as this sort of prog should. Always put off by the fact that Dietro U'Ragano was unfinished I never got it or heard it but would have welcomed the chance to compare these songs.

While AttosecondO may not have the originality of their eponymous debut and lacks its quirky warts and all charm, it is nevertheless one of the better RPI albums of this and even recent years. A great success.

At the time the band performed a mostly instrumental Progressive Rock without the presence of singer Michele Bavaro and their sound was now heavily keyboard-driven with an even more symphonic sound.Actually the opening ''Ripensando e'' contains strong LE ORME influences with Classical references and long moog solos in a very haunting mood.The following ''Valigie di terra'' is a great piece of moog/organ-driven Symphonic/Heavy Rock with stronger links to the band's debut, spacey synth waves until the middle and next come somes excellent Hammond organ runs with a pounding rhythm section.''Idea incompiuta'' is a short theme with a jazzy flavor in the guitar and drum parts, followed by the 14-min. ''Claudette''.Another nice piece of keyboard-based Progressive Rock with fiery organs, good interplays, massive synthesizers and even a sweet piano theme supported by the smooth vocals of drummer Giorgio Santandrea.The ending theme of the track is Alphataurus' at their best.Grandiose, nervous synth-drenched outro with a very intense and powerful atmosphere.

While Alphataurus' debut is more of a complete work, these early rehearsals of the band indicate that a possible sophomore record would have been propably another great Italian masterpiece.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

2 years in the waiting. It did not disappoint. I remember finding out over 2 years ago that Alphataurus was working on a new album. It was mentioned that it would possibly be ready sometime in 2010. It was not released until last month. I am not sure of all the reasons for it but I am glad that their 2nd "official" studio album (the incomplete "Dietro L'Uragano" not being included) was released.

In this day and age, it is so nice/refreshing to hear an album like this that works hard to sound nostalgic and so 70's like. The members may be pushing 60 (so what!!!) and it may have been almost 40 years since they're last studio album (wow!!!) but this album sounds like it could have been made 1 year after their classic 1973 s/t.

For the singer Claudio Falcone, I do not consider him to be a step down from the singer on the 1973 s/t album. I consider Claudio Falcone to be a positive addition to the group considering Michele Bavaro was not available. Claudio fills in perfectly and is a very important part of the Alphataurus team. Vocal styles similar to Bavaro but Claudio has his own unique touch and I consider both Bavaro and Falcone as equally important to Alphataurus' history. They made an excellent choice in Claudio!!

Musically, the band has not digressed at all in talent. They added some new band members and both the original and new band members gel together along with the singer for an end result being an album that is pretty much as good/on-par as the 1973 album.

The 1974 album "Dietro L'Urangano" by them was an "incomplete" album that was mostly instrumental with 4 tracks that had potential (Claudette being the best). It was released around 1993 or so as a "never before released and stuck in the archives" album that Mellow Records released. I enjoyed this album too but it was obvious that the group had to "shelve" this. None- the-less, it contained some good stuff but the album "begged to be done" someday even if the group had to reform some 40 years later...

And that's exactly what happened :-) Besides the (1:52) track "Idea Imcompuita" track from Dietro, the other 3 tracks were "redone" back in the studio some 40 years later with the reformation of Alphataurus. And they were done brilliantly with energy and drive. Not to mention the superb sound quality but now you have the addition of vocals in the forefront (not done on the original Dietro album).

And it's not over there. The album opens up with new material in 2 tracks which total close to 20 minutes. The Progressiva Mente reminds me of Locanda Delle Fate's classic album (including the vocals) and the 2nd track Gocce is dark and sinister and has all the qualities of good/solid italian progressive rock. The keyboards and synths bring back that 70's nostalgic sound well. I could be wrong but I think I'm hearing analogue keyboards rather than the modern digital stuff that you hear so much of these days.

All and all, this album was worth the weight and it was an all out well-done effort by Alphataurus. They proved to me they had something to say even 40 years later. And they said it with energy and vigor.

I sure like some of the new albums done by 70's progressive bands. I was quite happy with the new albums by Delirium, Locanda Delle Fate, New Trolls (Seven Seasons), Murple, etc... Now adding to that list, we have Alphataurus. 70's Osanna, "Are you out there somewhere getting ready to do Palepoli part 2? Il Volo? Alusa Falla? Maxophone?".

As Tommy used to say on his Forest of Progressive Rock web site in the late 90's: "You're sure to like this if you like italian progressive rock", I'm echoing his comment: "You're sure to like this new Alphataurus album if you like 70's italian progressive rock".

In many ways, this album may be more progressive than their 1973 debut. The debut was excellent but had some non-progressive music (ie, hard rocking blues, etc..) in as well. This album is 100% progressive!!

If you like Alphataurus' first album (or even their 2nd incomplete album released by Mellow) and have concerns about this one (because it is in the modern times) as to whether or not it's worth buying: please wipe those concerns away as there's really no reason to not get this album!!!

Having said that, I dislike live albums for the most part. But my love for 1970's italian progressive rock slapped me in the face again due to the resurgance of bands reuniting (oh thank you God for that) again some 30-40 years later from italy. I mean with the likes of RRR, New Trolls, Locanda Della Fate, Murple,Latte E Miele,Osanna, Delerium (what a wonderful album their 2009 album is and everybit as good as their best 70's material), etc.., I then see Alphataurus partaking in this. Being a big fan of Alphataurus' 1973 album, I was excited when I found that they had reunited. They were supposed to have a new studio album out around end of 2010 but I guess it's taken a while as they're still working on it (but their web site says it should be a reality even if it's 2 years later). In the meantime, we have this live album from an italian progfest.

Having the read the reviews here, I could not agree more.

After listening to this for the first time, I thought "Is this some long lost high quality live recording from Alphataurus in 1973?". It's that good. Vintage analog keyboard sounds that sound "soooo 70's and not plastic/digital. Wonderful pounding/thumping bass lines. Nice solid drums. Yes I realize the orginal singer is not back but they did a wonderful job getting this new singer who never takes away from the songs and only adds. Musically, this is everybit as good as the original 1973 studio recording. And the crowd noises don't distract at all. You only hear them in between the songs and even then it's nice to hear as it reminds me that this is a live album (despite sounding so musically good of 'studio' quality).

I should probably give this a 5 star rating but I got the dialog box that said to "be sparing on 1 and 5 star ratings". After that message came up, I gave it a 4.

Thank you so much Alphataurus. Welcome back. I look forward to your new studio album. If you like italian prog from the 1970's but are nervous about this one because it's a live album from their 1970's material: don't be nervous as this is an excellent album. I'll play this just as much as the original 1973 album by them.

I want to also mention the words written in the liner notes by the new vocalist who describes the experience. He says : "I must replace a very particular singer, with a voice very different than mine, cutting out an adequate role in a band where singing is less present in comparison to other genres (given the instrumental dominant of the repertoire's tracks) but not less important, in fact maybe more precious and "risky" than usual !" And "An unforgettable night, especially for who lived it as sort of jump back in time to an unrepeatable age, and i'm particularly talking about the three founders of the band : I postively envy what they have proved thinking back to the years when, still teenagers, they were able to create something that still today delivers emotions even to the ones who were never born at that time. This thought can be enough to feel intimidated in front of the historical heroes of the night, in such an important day for them; but the positive charge is strongly contagious, therefore even me and the other two new arrivals find ourselves sharing our way the chill of an unique night. For a moment I think to the two missing original members, whose lives took distant ways from the other three and consequently won't have the honour of living all this, and suddenly i feel even more proud."

I must admit I felt strong emotions listening to this cd last week, and my final listen last night driving home was one where water kept getting in my eyes on several ocassions. My three favourites start with "Ombra Muta" where the emotion hits me right away. Could these guys actually pull off the magic of the debut ? They do and then some. It should be noted that we have one guy playing organ and synths while another plays piano and keyboards. This is significant to the powerful sound. The vocals are so strong. "La Mente Vola" builds to an uptempo beat with spacey synths. It changes 3 1/2 minutes in as piano joins the beat then tender vocals join in. What follows is an explosion of power and emotion. My God ! Themes are repeated in this masterful track. My last top three is "Dopo L'urangano" which is dark with the vocals crying out. It's heavy before 1 1/2 minutes but it lets up quickly. Contrasts continue. So powerful !

This concert was performed in November of 2010, and by the crowd's reaction and the evidence of this recording you would swear this was 1973 all over again.

Alphataurus are a band that would have been lost to obscurity, were it not for their tight musical display and resulting cult fanbase. Although they only put out one complete record in their time (as well as one incomplete, and substantially less acclaimed sophomore) Alphataurus are a staple for any self-respecting fan of Italian prog rock. Considering that the band's heyday was 1973 and little has been heard of them since then, it's quite an event to have them return, even if it's only in the form of a live recording.With word of a new studio album on the apparent horizon, it's indeed exciting to have this band back and running, although for its own merits, "Live In Bloom" does not add much more to Alphataurus than we have heard in the past.

All things considered, it is very impressive to hear this band still in such tight shape after nearly forty years since their pair of albums came out. Of the six musicians playing here (at the 2010 Progvention, an Italian festival) three of them are original members of the band. There is not a single 'weak' point to the group's performance here, however. While this is recorded in a live venue, the performance is tight and clear to the ear. Considering that poor, muffled recording is an annoyance that plagues a great many live albums, it's great to hear "Live In Bloom" executed with such clarity.

The song selection itself is precisely what one would expect from an Alphataurus set; encompassing the entire debut album, whilst plucking a couple of picks from the "Dietro l'Uragano" record as well. The music is very consistent in its quality, though while I found myself in a constant state of awe towards the bands tightness and relatively technical take on the 'symphonic' style of prog rock, I cannot say that any part particularly stood out, or captivated me as a highlight of beauty. Granted, I'm not greatly familiar with Alphataurus' studio work, but the performance feels like a fairly reproduced rendition of what's on the album itself. In other words, the performance rarely seems to take a life of its own, and that's often what separates the good from the great when it comes to releases like this.

"Live In Bloom" certainly gives Alphataurus fans something to be excited about, and though their talent and skill are still as bright as ever, I'm not left seeing the band's music much differently. Regardless; it takes some incredible skill to perform music of this style and calibre in the live setting, and Alphataurus do not disappoint.