Alphataurus

Alphataurus, formed in Milan, Italy in 1970 is an expressive heavy prog band from the classic early 1970's Italian prog rock scene, very similar to Museo Rosenbach and Il Balletto Di Bronzo. Just like their contemporary 'sister' bands they mix very well the heavy parts with soft melodic passages, and with exquisite contrasting strong voice. The keyboards are superb and their long thematic developments alone would merit an interest in their albums.

Alphataurus is one of those legendary RPI (Rock Progressivo Italiano) bands who are obscure in the annals of general progressive rock, but much appreciated by Italian prog fanatics who venture beyond the more well-known groups. Not much was known about this group from Milan who sprang on to the scene with a great, self-titled debut album in 1973, considered by many a masterpiece of the 70's Italian scene. A second album was partially recorded before vanishing in typical RPI fashion. This album was released by Mellow in 1992 as part of their archival projects. Drummer Giorgio Santandrea went on to work briefly in Crystals, and Pietro Pellegrini collaborated with both Riccardo Zappa and Premiata Forneria Marconi.

In 2007 two of the original members, Guido Wasserman and Pellegrini, decided to reunite and reform the band, and record an album with new and old songs. With original drummer Santandrea back in the saddle in 2010, they celebrated 30 years as a band by playing at Progvention in Milan. A live album, Live In Bloom (a word play on Paul Mazursky's 1973 movie Blume in Love), from the show was released in March 2012. And the beat goes on...