ALPHATAURUS

'Peccato d´Orgoglio' is the masterpiece of this album; it is twelve minutes of some of the greatest Prog ever recorded in my estimation. Ranging from soft graceful ballad themes to rougher-edged ELP-like parts, this song truly makes you feel like you've undertaken an epic journey by the time it ends... it's an immaculate experience.

The keyboards are my favorite aspect of the band's sound; especially the deep resonant Moog synth parts he constructs. The vocalist has an amazing voice and can really belt it out, while the rhythm section is solid but not overly technical.

''Dopo L´uragano' is straight-ahead hard rock similar to 'The Guess Who' and 'Led Zeppelin'. It's a good song with nice headbanging riffs and Jon Lord-ish organ parts, but it's probably the weakest moment on the album.

'Croma' is an excellent (but short) instrumental piece that makes you feel like you're slowing floating to earth from space, tumbling head-over-heel through bright white swirling clouds in a neon blue sky... a very free and ethereal atmosphere. Breathtaking.

The second half of the album is comprised of two wonderful epics that alternate between floating tranquil moments and harder sections with heavy riffs and outstanding Moog playing from Pietro Pellegrini. These songs are a return to the style of the first track, and just as high in quality.

A great band that sadly only released one proper album... their second was only half-recorded when they disbanded. This self-titled monument is excellent but only essential for hardcore RPI fans who know the major bands by heart already.

'Peccato d´orgoglio' is a 5-star song, but I give the album 3.5