ALPHATAURUS

Alphataurus' debut is the band's only album recorded with vocalist Michele Bavaro present. Like so many other Italian one-album wonders, the immediate quality and maturity of the material is amazing. Really, looking at this RPI scene, what did la mama put into the pesto back in 1972/1973 !?

Alphataurus has quickly risen to the top of my most loved RPI titles. I was stunned right from the opening minute, the drum and bass section that kicks off the album even made me think I had put on the wrong album. With that jungle rhythm and repeated jazz chord picking its like a 90's drum&bass track. No way this could possibly not be from 1973. But before the first minute is over, they are launched into a slowly building prog epic, starting with acoustic guitars and sparse organs before diving into groovy riffing and gorgeous hard rock parts. The power and intensity of the vocalist is simply amazing. Well, it's RPI right.

Each of the tracks has something new to offer. We get the sweeping hard rock chorus of Dopo L'Uragano that combines the rousing organs of Uriah Heep, the heaviness of Sabbath and the testosterone fuelled blues of early Zeppelin. Then, there's cinematic romanticism in the instrumental Croma and also in the intro of La Menta Vola. That last track turns into another gorgeously uplifting chorus that reminds me again of the best Uriah Heep had on offer in 1970/1971. Ombra Muta takes a more psychedelic turn and gets some delicate jamming going in the body of the song.

To me, Alphataurus sounds like Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso doing Uriah Heep material. It combines Italian passion and adventure with irresistibly catchy and heavy grooves. Highly recommended.