METAFISICO

"Gli Alluminogeni" is a Rock Progressivo Italiano band that has actually been around for quite a long time. They have gone through several name and line-up changes, but released their first album "Scolopendra" in 1972. The band didn't have a lot of experience, but played for several festivals and what not and also released a few singles, but since they were mostly unhappy with the overall commercial sound of their album, they broke up and all went their separate ways.

Fast forward to 1991. "Scolopendra" was re-issued and some interest was generated in the band again. So, after re-forming, two more albums were released, one in 1993 and the other in 1994, and the band wanted to record music reminiscent of their original band. Much later, in 2008, another album was set for release called "Metafisco" but, other than 4 songs becoming available, it never happened. Finally, in June of 2019, the album has seen the light of day.

"Metafisico" is made up of 10 tracks with a total run time of 47 minutes. The band line-up has changed many times as previously noted, but for this album, it is comprised of Patrizio Alluminio (an original member) on vocals and keyboards; Daniele Ostrarero on drums and Guido Maccario on bass and guitar. There are two guests also performing on the album, namely Alberto Rondano on guitars and Ludovico Bragante on bass. The album is available on CD and on Bandcamp.

"Samsahara of Mr. Jackson (Pt. 1)" starts things off with heavy keyboards and vocals sung mostly in Italian. The track is okay, but nothing special. "Sogno Alabardato di Un'estate Verde" (Dazzling Dream of a Green Summer) develops into something more interesting however, as Patrizio's vocals become more intense and the music is led by heavier guitars backed by synths. Midway through, the faster tempo gives way to a slower rhythm and the vocals become a little more passionate (not much though), and then a guitar solo follows. The rough feel of the track clears out as it nears the end with only a drum and piano playing.

"Stratgia" (Strategy) starts with a moderate beat and spoken vocals which keep in time with the rhythm and later become melodic. After a few verses of this, the track suddenly veers off in another direction with a heavy guitar riff and developing intensity. Keys also begin with a melodic passage. After 4 minutes, the rhythm stops and things become tense with sustained synth notes and drums playing in a improvised manner. Things calm even further as a solo electric piano plays. "4,000 Anni" (4,000 Years) starts off with a majestic organ backed by drums and guitar. A standard beat is established and heavy guitars and organ continue when shaky vocals come in. They are somewhat processed which actually makes them quite abrasive. The stateliness of the track continues and actually takes on a symphonic edge later on.

"Raggio Vitale" (Vital Ray) continues with the tense feel of the previous track, maintaining a dark and heavy sound. The vocals has a slightly rambling feel and are more of a narrating, sing-song style, not really melodic, but still tonal. Nothing really stands out on this track. "Apogeo Azimut" lightens up a bit with a catchier rhythm and a combination of guitars and keys playing a melodic passage. The music is starting to sound a bit messy with more rambling vocals that don't always fit with the heavier tone. There is some nice guitar there, but the meshing of the instruments and vocals seems a bit rough. "Magia di un Momento" starts off with a solid moderate beat accented by piano chords. The music is a bit less heavy this time, but the guitars play in the background. The chorus has a more passionate melody, and the vocalist handles it well, but seems to stretch for the higher notes.

"Volero' Via" (I'll Fly Away) starts with a nice piano flourish and ticking cymbals producing a jazz feel with some dissonance in the piano chords. The rhythm becomes a bit trickier and supporting instruments come in and an organ announces the vocals. Again, the music sounds quite rough with what could have been an impressive beginning, but the beat seems off, the supporting vocals and instruments feel clumsy and don't meld with the keys very well. The track just comes across sounding messy and amateurish. "Contatto Finale" (Final Contact) has a steadier beat accented by guitars and keys and more vocals. The song has a cleaner feel to it with a nice guitar solo, but the drums seem mixed a bit too loud. The track has a more standard feel to it, but other than the guitar solos, it doesn't really connect. The album ends with the second part of the bookending track "Samsahara of Mr. Jackson". The first part acted more as an introductory track and didn't leave any real impression, but the 2nd part is a little longer. It starts off rather abruptly and the messy feel is back as the entire band plays, but everyone just seems a bit off.

As much as I would like to say different, the album is quite uneven when it comes performance and production, and it seems quite amateurish on most of the tracks. In some cases, it is quite obvious that the band isn't very well gelled together. The music is mostly rough with not a lot of memorable sections. There are places when it seems the are playing together well, but it is on the more accessible tracks, and even then, there is that feeling that things are just not connected together very well. Time doesn't seem to have been helpful to the band and it sounds as if they are just not well practiced at working together with each other. If there are fans out there that have been following the band, then this album is for them, but I can't see how they wouldn't be a bit disappointed.