ALPHATAURUS

Yet some more inspired Italian prog manifests itself in Alphataurus' eponymous debut. Like most RPI albums at the time, the music strongly recognizes the importance of drama, intensity, and melody as musical elements. Taking influence from Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, the band reaches heaviness typical of the genre. Fortunately, this stunning debut is able to balance this with some superb and innovative melodies, deep atmospheres, and generally dynamic sound.

The opening track is evidence for this enough, containing slow bits, fast bits, gentle interludes between heavy metal riffing madness, and strong vocal melodies all while portraying a solid song structure.

'Dopo L'Uragono' showcases the more classic rock/heavy metal aspect of the album, with some riffs that could have been coined by Black Sabbath. 'Croma,' however, utilizes keyboards to great effect to create a simple, but flowing, beautiful melody.

'Le Mente' is surely the highlight of the album. Opening with a laid back, rhythmically lead motif, it slowly develops and builds over the course of four minutes into what I could only describe as one of the best atmospheric build-ups I have ever heard. But it doesn't disappoint thereafter, cycling through memorable vocal melodies and creative riffs with gradual tempo changes and solid instrumental work sprinkled on top.

'Ombra Muta' is a fitting closer to a great album, encapsulating the general sounds and styles heard throughout the album.

Alphataurus is certainly one of the strongest debut albums in all of progressive rock, and unfortunately, like many of strongest albums in the genre, their output doesn't extend far beyond this. Regardless, this perfect addition to any RPI collection, and shouldn't fail to impress.

8/10