October 13, 2024

La Fabbrica dell'Assoluto, Italy


Neo Italian prog; Retro prog

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Latest: 1984: L'Ultimo Uomo D'Europa (2015). New album coming soon though!

1984: L'Ultimo Uomo D'Europa (2015)

Let's get down to brass tacks here: This album is made strictly for early 1970's styled Italian prog rock fans, performed by early 1970's styled Italian prog rock musicians. One could call this masculine Italian prog. Take parts Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Alphataurus, Semiramis, Museo Rosenbach, and even Pholas Dactylus - throw them all in the blender. And go weeeeeeee.

---12/5/15

7/25/16 (new entry)

October 7, 2024

La Torre dell'Alchimista, Italy


Neo Italian prog


Latest: Neo (2007)

Another one of those bands from the past that allegedly are still working on a new album. Details are scarce.

Neo (2007)

La Torre dell’Alchimista (LTdA) are one of the many current Italian progressive rock acts that are recreating the sounds of the past and moving it forward to the 21st century. LTdA are a bit more purist than most groups in this space, eschewing modern tendencies such as metal, electronica, and post rock. Keyboards are the focal point, like with many of the 1970s classic groups, and bandleader Michele Mutti possesses an impressive array of vintage gear including Hammond C3, Mini Moog, Mellotron, and a 1973 Fender Rhodes amongst many others. However, unlike fellow Italian retro rockers Wicked Minds, modern production techniques are in full force, and there’s no question that LTdA are a band from the current age. All of these historical references don’t matter if the music compositions aren’t there - and LTdA come through on this front. As students of the Italian progressive rock genre are keenly aware, the options of creating exciting and unique music is immense, and LTdA have found their little slice of the big pie. And fortunately they use the Italian language which goes so naturally with the style. File along with La Maschera di Cera as the current torchbearers of the original Italian progressive rock sound.

---9/17/07

Other albums heard: La Torre dell'Alchimista (2001)

7/15/11 (new entry)

October 3, 2024

October Equus / Angel Ontalva ~ Spain


Avant Prog; Progressive rock; Jazz rock

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Latest (October Equus): Noches Blancas, Luces Rojas (2022)

Latest (Angel Ontalva): Persian Courtyard (2024)

Angel Ontalva is also heavily involved with Vespero and an offshoot group Seaorm. I have Vespero listed separately on UTR.

UMR review page for October Equus and Angel Ontalva

3/12/12 (new entry)

Jordsjo ~ Norway

Retro prog; Progressive rock Facebook Bandcamp Latest: Pestkrønikene (2026). July 24 UMR review page for Jordsjø 2/12/18 (new entry)