CAPOLINEA

From ''Klein & Wagner'' and on it was more than evident that Aton's were not anymore Pietro Ratto's main priority.Instead the frontman of the band focused on releasing his solo album ''Xenia'' in 1997 for Mellow Records, while the same year Aton's were among the participants of the '' Zarathustra's Revenge'' tribute album, their last contribution for the Mellow Records label.Unexpectedly five years later a new album by the band appeared on Musea, entitled ''Capolinea'', containg material recorded at Pietro Ratto's studio in different periods between 1997 and 2000.

The opening ''Introduzione Star'' gives hope for great album with a stunning church organ opening section with some powerful and lyrical Art Rock to follow with.The rest of the album though returns back to the romantic and classic Aton's sound with the light instrumental themes but also the sensational vocals of Ratto.Melodic and easy listening Progressive/Art Rock with emphasis on the beautiful voice of Ratto and the smooth guitar melodies.The tracks are rather commercial oriented, leaning heavily on the poetic lyrics, and the music is based on the decent guitar solos, the solid but accesible arrangements and the discreet keyboard and piano themes with the exception of some church organ of unique grandieur.Fortunately the material is memorable, pleasant and often deeply atmospheric, overcoming the lack of trully serious orchestrations, while the fantastic vocals won't leave any fan of Italian Prog indifferent.

After ''Capolinea'' Ratto seemed to totally abandon the Aton's music ship and released a couple more of personal works under his own name.The latest album of the band fits within the standars of melodic Progressive/Art Rock and , though far from extraordinary, it will please all fans of intense and lyrical Progressive Rock.