Progressive Rock was a significant phase in Italian music history, emerging from the beat genre and influenced by British trends. It established its own unique identity, featuring original groups and skilled musicians.
In the early 1970s, Italy produced some of the finest first generation progressive rock acts and one of the most prolific scenes. Indeed, Italy generated first-rate bands that rivaled the British pioneers in creativity and quality, incorporating a unique flavor that included Italian classical music and vocals and traditional folk influences.
The top Italian groups playing rock progresivo italiano (Italian progressive rock) at the time were Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM), Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso (also known as Banco), Le Orme, Il Balletto Di Bronzo, Latte e Miele, New Trolls, Osanna, Goblin, Il Volo, and Quella Vecchia Locanda.
In addition, many lesser known acts produced acclaimed albums. Some of these fine artists included Acqua Fragile, Alphataurus, Alusa Fallax, Area, Arti e Mestieri, Biglietto per L’Inferno, Carpineta, Celeste, Cervello, Corte Dei Miracoli, Dedalus, Delirium, I Giganti, il Jumbo, Il Paese dei Balocchi, L’Uovo di Colombo, Locanda delle Fate, Maxophone, Metamorfosi, Museo Rosenbach, Perigeo, Pierrot Lunaire, Reale Accademia di Musica, Riccardo Zappa, Semiramis, Sensation’s Fix, The Trip, and Zauber. Interestingly, most were unknown outside of Italy at the time and flew under the radar of international progressive rock fans.
Notably, the most successful Italian bands in the international scene were Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM), Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso and Le Orme.
In the early 1970s, Emerson Lake and Palmer’s bassist, singer and guitarist Greg Lake signed PFM and Banco to their newly created Manticore label. Meanwhile, Le Orme toured internationally and their Italian language album Felona e Sorona (1973) was later re-recorded in English and released in the UK as Felona and Sorona.
Rock progresivo italiano in the 1980s, Slow Comeback
Although many of the first generation bands had disappeared or changed their musical genre by the late 1970s, the 1980s became an era of discovery, treasure hunters, and a slow moving renaissance by the end of the decade.
Initially, collectors worldwide searched feverishly for many of the out of print albums from the 1970s. Prices increased dramatically. However, several labels in Japan, Europe and South Korea started reissuing Italian albums, making them newly available to progressive rock fans across the world.
Although the 1980s was overall not a good decade for Italian progressive rock, nevertheless new artists appeared. For instance, Mediterranea, an instrumental trio from Caserta, in southwestern Italy released an album titled “Ecce Rock,” in 1981. The band combined progressive rock, jazz fusion and Campanian folk music. Band members included Fausto Mesolella on guitar, mandolin and keyboards; Pasquale Ziccardi on bass and mandolin; and Agostino Santoro on drums and percussion.
Mo.Do.
Symphonic progressive rock band Mo.Do. had the misfortune of starting in 1978, right in the middle of the punk rock revolution. However, the group released a great album titled “La Scimmia Sulla Schiena Del Re” in 1980 that was later reissued by Mellow Records. Mo.Do. members included Walter Locatelli on drums; Stefano Barzaghi on guitars; Roberto Calleoni on bass; Gian Antonio Merisio on keyboards and vocals; and Valerio Cherubini on guitars, flute and vocals.
Gli Apostholi
Gli Apostholi, a band that started in the 1960s, released a hard to find progressive rock album with Mediterranean folk and symphonic rock influences titled “Un’Isola Senza Sole” in 1981.
Some of the other acts that surfaced in the 1980s included Notturno Concertante from Grottaminarda, keyboard-driven Barrock (not to be confused with another band that appeared years later called Barock Project). Barrock released Barrock (1985), L’Alchimista (1990), Oxian (1994) and La Strega (1999)
Hopo appeared in 1982 with an album titled “Senti”, deeply influenced by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. The group released two albums, Senti (1982) and Dietro la Finestra (1991).
Zauber had strong early music as well as classical music influences featuring the sounds of keyboards, flutes, chamber strings and other instruments.
The late 1980s saw the beginning of a new wave of Italian progressive rock bands, deeply inspired by the classics from the 1970s.
Ezra Winston
One of the best late 1980s groups was Rome-based Ezra Winston, who sang in English and released two acclaimed symphonic progressive rock albums, “Myth Of The Chrysavides” (1988) and “Ancient Afternoons” (1990). The Ezra Winston lineup included Mario Bianchi on rhythm samples, synthesizers, piano, organ; Mauro Di Donato on solo samples, synthesizers, vocals, bass; Daniele Iacono on drums, percussion, vibraphone; Paolo Lucini on flute, piccolo; and Fabio Palmieri on classical and electric guitars.
Malibran
Another excellent group from that era was Sicilian act Malibran, formed in 1987. Notably, Malibran released beautiful symphonic rock albums with pastoral guitars and flutes recalling Celeste, Genesis and Jethro Tull, although the album Trasparenze has some unpleasant and unexpected heavy metal riffs on a handful of tracks. Discography: The Wood Of Tales (1990), Le Porte Del Silenzio (1993), La Città Sul Lago (1998), Oltre L’Ignoto (2001), Trasparenze (2009), and Straniero – Rare & Unreleased (2018).
Nuova Era
Florence outfit Nuova Era, formed in 1986, was one of the leading acts in the movement to bring back the symphonic rock magic of the finest Italian acts from the 1970s. Discography: L’Ultimo Viaggio (1988), Dopo L’Infinito (1989), Io E Il Tempo (1992), Il Passo del Soldato (1995) and Return To The Castle (2016).
The 1990s, the Arrival of the Italian Progressive Rock Resurrection
The late 1980s and 1990s marked a rebirth of Italian progressive rock, with the arrival of numerous high quality bands influenced by the great masters of the 1970s.
Eris Pluvia
Leading the way in the 1990s was symphonic rock act Eris Pluvia, from Genoa, who released “Rings Of Earthly Light” (1991), one of the best Italian albums of the 1990s. The lineup included Alessandro Serri on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and flute; Paolo Raciti on piano and keyboards; Edmondo Romano on recorder flute, saxophone, and backing vocals; Marco Forella on bass and acoustic guitar; and Martino Murtas on drums and percussion. Guests: Valeria Caucino on vocals; Enrico Paparella on acoustic guitar; Alessandro Cavatorti on acoustic guitar; and Sabrina Quarelli on violin.
Nearly twenty years later, Eris Pluvia returned with Third Eye Light (2010), followed by Different Earths (2016) and Tales from Another Time (2019).
Finisterre
Finisterre’s debut album, “Finisterre” (1994) introduced a musician, producer and composer called Fabio Zuffanti that became a very important figure in the following years. Indeed, Zuffanti became involved with various significant Italian progressive rock group and solo projects.
Deus Ex Machina
Deus Ex Machina arrived in 1991 with a formidable mix of avant-garde classical music, progressive rock and jazz fusion. Discography: Gladium Caeli (1991), Deus Ex Machina (1992), De Republica (1995), Equilibrismo da Insofferenza (1998), Cinque (Cuneiform, 2002), Imparis (2008), and Devoto (2016). The lineup includes Mauro Collina on electric and acoustic guitars; Alessandro Bonetti on violin and mandolin; Alessandro Porreca on bass; Luigi Ricciardiello on organ, electric piano and synthesizers; Claudio Trotta on drums; and Alberto Piras on vocals.
Universal Totem Orchestra
The Universal Totem Orchestra is a fantastic band that combines symphonic rock with masterful Zeuhl, and a dash of world music, featuring gorgeous operatic vocals and skillful instrumentation. The ensemble is a side project of Italian Zeuhl group Runaway Totem. The lineup on the debut album was Spanish opera singer Ana Torres Fraile on vocals; Marco Zanfei on keyboards; Dauno Giuseppe Buttiglione on bass; and Giorgio Golin on drums; along with numerous guests.
A Piedi Nudi
Another notable band in the 1990s was A Piedi Nudi, deeply influenced by Il Balletto di Bronzo, although they added some hard rock into the mix. They released three albums: A Piedi Nudi (1994), Creazione (1995) and Eclissi (1998).
D.F.A.
D.F.A., also known as Duty Free Are, played a superb mix of skilled Gentle Giant-style progressive rock and jazz-rock fusion. Unfortunately, Alberto Bonomi, the band’s keyboardist, died in a car accident in 2011. Discography: Lavori in Corso (1996) Duty Free Area (1999), 4.10 (2008), and 4th (2010).
The Night Watch
An exciting band, deeply influenced by Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, called The Night Watch appeared in 1997 led by vocalist and flute player Simone Rossetti, whose talented vocals sounded like Peter Gabriel’s during Genesis’ progrock era. The rest of the band included Francesco Zago on guitar; Giovanni Alessi on keyboards; Antonio Mauri on bass; and Diego Donadio on drums. Their one and only album was “Twilight.”
Another highlight of the decade was Spirosfera, who released only one album, Umanamnesi (1996).
Divae
Rome group Divae rolled out the excellent “Determinazione” in 1995. The lineup included Alessandro Costanzo on vocals; Luis Dragotto Moraleda on guitars; Marco Vantini and Enzo DiFrancesco on keyboards; Romolo Amici on bass; and Ugo Vantini on drums. Guests: Gianni Leone (Il Balletto di Bronzo) on keyboards and Lino Vairetti (Osanna) on vocals.
Secret Cinema
Secret Cinema played symphonic rock with vintage keyboards. The band was led by keyboardist Beppe Crovella (Arti & Mestieri). Secret Cinema released “Dreamin’ of My Past” (1994), an album that contained only two extensive musical suites, 32+ minutes long each. Lineup: Beppe Crovella on Hammond A100 & M3, Mellotron, piano, Minimoog, E-mu Emulator III, E-mu vintage keyboards, sampled orchestral and choir sounds; Agnese Cacciola on lead and backing vocals; Enrico Matta on drums; Pietro Verru on bass; Andrea Mignone on guitars; and Sabine Monsberger on flute.
Lothlorien
Symphonic rock band Lothlorien, from Recanati, put out only one album, “Il Sale Sulla Coda” (1998). The band featured flute and Gentle Giant, PFM and Jethro Tull influences. Personnel: Simone Persichini on vocals; Antonio Felicioli on flute; Andrea Del Signore on guitars; Marco Tentelli on keyboards; Pili on bass; and Mauro Viale on drums and percussion.
The 2000s
La Maschera de Cera
La Maschera de Cera is one of the key side projects of multifaceted musician, composer and producer Fabio Zuffanti. The concept of this band was to recreate the classic sound of 1970s Italian progressive rock featuring Mellotron, vintage keyboards, flutes and so forth.
Distillerie di Malto
Distillerie di Malto attracted a lot of attention in 2001 with its state of the art symphonic progressive rock inspired by the luminaries of the 1970s. The band released its acclaimed debut album “Il Manuale dei Piccoli Discorsi” in 2001. The lineup included Marco Angelone on acoustic and electric guitars; Fabiano Cudazzo on keyboards; Maurizio Di Tollo on drums, backing vocals; Luca Latini on flute; Fabrizio Pellicciaro on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, recorder; and Giuliano Torelli on bass. After that album, Distillerie di Malto seemingly disbanded.
Thankfully, Distillerie di Malto came back with an equally good album titled Suono! (Musea) in 2013.
The Watch
After The Night Watch disbanded, vocalist Simone Rossetti started a new band with a shortened name, The Watch. Yet again, this excellent band was also strongly influenced by progressive rock-era Genesis. More about The Watch.
Architrave Indipendente
One of the most fascinating acts in the late 2000s was Architrave Indipendente, from Bari, led by Oscar Larizza (guitar, bass, synthesizers, lute, glockenspiel, and tapes) and Emanuele Palumbo (piano, Hammond, synths, and flute. The rest of the Architrave Indipendente lineup included Alessandro Mazzacane on cello; Piero Palumbo on drums; and Stefano Renna on guitars. The band meticulously recreated the analog feel and atmosphere of a classic 1970s Italian symphonic rock album, with a sound similar to Celeste. They only released one album, “Azetium a otto piste” (2009), on vinyl.
La Torre dell’Alchimista
La Torre dell’Alchimista, from Alzano Lombardo, is one of the finest Italian progressive rock bands of the 2000s. Their sound, once more, was deeply inspired by Le Orme and other 1970s masters, featuring vintage keyboards. The group released two albums: “La Torre Dell’Alchimista” (2001) and “Neo” (2007). Lineup: Michele Giardino on lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar; Michele Mutti on Hammond organ, Fender electric piano, acoustic piano, keyboards, Mellotron, synthesizer; Silvia Ceraolo on flute; Davide Donadoni on bass, alto clarinet; and Noberto Mosconi on drums, acoustic guitar.
Il Bacio della Medusa
Perugia band Il Bacio della Medusa plays a form of progressive rock mixed with hard rock. Discography: Il Bacio della Medusa (2004), Discesa Agl’Inferi d’un Giovane Amante (2008), Deus Lo Vult (2012) and Seme* (2018).
Jet Lag
Jet Lag, from Reggio di Calabria, released one album, Delusione ottica (2001). The band played
a mix of high energy progressive rock and fusion, and was characterized by the use of flute and keyboards. Lineup: Fabio Itri on guitars; Saverio Autellitano on keyboards; Luca Salice on vocals and flute; Bruno Crucitti on drums; and Marco Meduri on bass.
Taproban
Rome symphonic rock band Taproban appeared in 2001. The band’s albums are dominated by fine keyboard work. The original lineup included Gianluca De Rossi on keyboarda, Fabio Mociatti on drums, Paolo Cedrone on vocals; and Stefano Proietti on bass. Discography: Ogni Pensiero Vola (2001), Outside Nowhere (2004), Posidonian Fields (2006), Strigma (2013) and Per Aspera Ad Astra (2017).
Areknamés
Areknamés was formed in 2001 in Pescara. The band is deeply influenced by the British (Van Der Graaf Generator) and Italian progressive rock pioneers of the 1970s, delivering excellent symphonic rock with a dark edge. Personnel: composer Michele Epifani on organ, electric piano, Mellotron, synthesizers, harpsichord, acoustic and electric guitars, recorder, vocals; Piero Ranalli on bass; and Mino Vitelli on drums, jembe, Arabian tabla, and spring drum.
Discography: Areknamés (2003), Love Hate Round Trip (2006) and In Case of Loss… (2010).
Conqueror
Although formed in the late 1990s, Sicilian band Conqueror released its first album, “Istinto,” in 2003. Led by keyboardist Simona Rigano, the group plays progressive rock inspired by the 1970s masters and the neoprog bands of the 1980s.
The 2010s, More of the Good Stuff
Throughout the 2010s, yet another batch of fantastic bands appeared in the Italian progressive rock scene.
Il Tempio delle Clessidre
One of the most exquisite Italian acts inspired by the 1970s masters is Genoa band Il Tempio delle Clessidre. The group is led by keyboardist Elisa Montaldo (piano, organ, keyboards, concertina, vocals, effects). She recruited Museo Rosenbach’s singer Stefano “Lupo” Galifi as lead vocalist. The rest of the band includes Giulio Canepa on guitars; Fabio Gremo on bass; and Paolo Tixi on drums. Discography: Il Tempio delle Clessidre (Black Widow Records, 2010), alieNatura (Black Widow Records, 2013) and Il-Lūdĕre (Black Widow Records, 2017).
La Coscienza di Zeno
La Coscienza di Zeno is known as one of the finest Italian progressive rock bands of its generation. Read more about La Coscienza di Zeno.
La Fabbrica Dell’Assoluto
La Fabbrica Dell’Assoluto, formed in Rome, 2012 by guitarist Daniele Sopranzi; drummer Michele Ricciardi; bassist Marco Piloni and keyboardist Daniele Fuligni. In 2015, they released a symphonic rock album with a dark edge titled “1984: L’Ultimo Uomo d’Europa” (“1984: The Last Man in Europe”) on Black Widow Records.
Unreal City
Parma-based Unreal City combined the best of the classic bands from the 1970s with gothic influences, lots of Mellotron, and modern sounds. The band included keyboardist and vocalist Emanuele Tarasconi, guitarist Francesca Zanetta, bassist Francesco Orefice; and drummer Federico Bedostri. Fabio Zuffanti produced the band’s debut album, “a Crudeltà Di Aprile” (Mirror Records, 2013). Unreal City released two additional albums, Il Paese del Tramonto (2015) and Frammenti Notturni (2017).
Le Porte Non Aperte
Le Porte Non Aperte made music deeply inspired by the great Italian bands of the early 1970s, recreating the 1970s sound, just like Architrave Indipendente. Le Porte Non Aperte released “Golem” (Ma.Ra.Cash Records, 2013). Personnel: Sandro Parrinello on vocals, piano, acoustic guitar; Marco Brenzini on flute; Jacopo Fallai on electric guitar; Filippo Mattioli on organ, electric piano, synthesizer, backing vocals; Giulio Capitano Sieni on drums, percussion, backing vocals; and Daniele Cancellara on bass.
Ingranaggi della Valle
Rome band Ingranaggi della Valle delivers a mix of progressive rock, jazz-rock fusion and world music that is grounded in the 1970s Italian maestros. Lineup: Igor Leone on vocals; composer Flavio Gonnellini on electric & acoustic guitars, backing vocals; composer Mattia Liberati on Hammond B3, Mellotron M400, Fender Rhodes Mark II, Minimoog, Minimoog Voyager, Korg MS-20, Elka Synthex, Jen SX1000, Clavia Nord Stage Revision B; Marco Gennarini on violin, backing vocals; and Shanti Colucci on drums & percussion, nagara, gatham, Tibetan bells, konnakol. Discography: In Hoc Signo (2013), Warm Spaced Blue (2016).
Museo Rosenbach
One of the great bands of the 1970s, Museo Rosenbach, reunited in 2013. They released Barbarica (2013). The lineup included original bassist Alberto Moreno on keyboards; drummer Giancarlo Golzi and lead vocalist Stefano Lupo Galifi.
FEM Prog Band
FEM Prog Band (Forza Elettromotrice) was formed in Milan in 2007 by keyboardist Alberto Citterio and guitarist Paolo Colombo. The symphonic rock group released one of the best albums of 2014, Sulla Bolla di Sapone. They followed up with Mutazione (2018).
Ornithos
Ornithos, an offshoot of Il Bacio delle Medusa, appeared in 2012 with an album titled “La Trasfigurazione” (2012). This group was also part of the neotraditional progressive rock bands that were inspired by the 1970s masters. Personnel: Diego Petrini on drums, organ, piano, Mellotron, percussion, vocals; Eva Morelli on flute, alto, soprano and tenor saxophone; Federico Caprai on bass, vocals; Antonello De Cesare on lead guitar, backing vocals; Simone Morelli on rhythm guitar; and Maria Giulia Carnevalini on lead and backing vocals.
Logos
Verona band Logos’ music is inspired by Italian and British progressive rock bands from the 1970s. The first lineup included keyboardist Luca Zerman; drummer Alessandro Perbellini; bassist and guitarist Fabio Gaspari; and guitarist Massimo Maoli. The group has become more symphonic and captivating with time. Discography: Logos (1999), Asrava (2001), L’ Enigma Della Vita (2014) and Sadako e le mille gru di carta (2020).
Progenesi
The members of Progenesi were trained at the Milan conservatory and have roots in classical music, jazz, Italian folk and other musical forms. They released only one recording, an instrumental symphonic rock concept album dedicated to Ulysses titled “Ulisse L’alfiere Nero” (2013). Personnel: composer and arranger Patrik Matrone on electric and acoustic guitars; Giulio Stromendo on piano, Hammond organ, synthesizers, keyboards; Dario Giubileo on bass; Omar Ceriotti on drums, percussion. Guests: Eloisa Manera on violin and Issei Watanabe on cello.
Astrolabio
Astrolabio’s debut album, “L’isolamento dei Numeri Pari,” came out in 2014. Most musicians were former members of another progressive band from Verona called Ellettrosmog. After L’Isolamento Dei Numeri Pari, Astrolabio released “I Paralumi Della Ragione” (2017). The band plays symphonic rock with 1970s and modern influences.
Personnel: Michele Antonelli on vocals, guitars, flute; Massimo Babbi on keyboards; Paolo Iemmi on vocals and bass; and Alessandro Pontone on drums.
Aurora Lunare
Although Livorno band Aurora Lunare was initially formed in the late 1970s, they disbanded and came back many years later and rolled out “Aurora Lunare” (2013). Inspiration came from the great symphonic rock bands of the 1970s, with beautiful keyboard work. Guests on the album included members of La Maschera de Cera and Le Orme.
Lineup: Mauro Pini on vocals, synthesizers; arranger Stefano Onorati on Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, piano, synthesizer, electric guitar; Luciano Tonetti on bass and effects; and Marco Santinelli on drums.
The 2020s
Stefano Lupo Galifi
Stefano Lupo Galifi, the vocalist for two iconic Italian progressive rock bands (Museo Rosenbach and Tempio delle Clessidre), released “Dei ricordi, un museo,” his debut album in October 2021. The recording an impressive lineup of guests: Luca Scherani (La Coscienza di Zeno, Höstsonaten), Gabriele Guidi Colombi (La Coscienza di Zeno, Not a Good Sign), Marcella Arganese (Ubi Maior, Mr. Punch), and Folco Fedele (Panther & C).
Francesca Zanetta and Niccolò Galliani
Francesca Zanetta (Quel che Disse il Tuono)) and Niccolò Galliani (Unreal City, Cellar Noise, Quel che Disse il Tuono) released “The Lost Vision of The Chandoo Priest” (AMS Records), their debut album in 2022. The recording also features Pietro Pellegrini (Alphataurus) on keyboards.
Il Sogno Di Rubik
Il Sogno Di Rubik (The Rubik’s Dream) is a new band that released its debut album “Tentacles and Miracles” in 2020 with vocals in English. However, two years later Il Sogno Di Rubik switched to Italian on the second album, Stati Equivoci dell’Esere (M.P. Records). The band performs a mix of exquisite progressive rock and less interesting hard rock.
The group is led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Francesco Festinante and vocalist and lyricist Cosimo D’Elia. The lineup on “Stati Equivoci dell’Esere” includes Cosimo D’Elia on vocals; Vito Rizzi on keyboards; Roberto Sacco on synthesizer; Mino Inglese on trombone; Carmine Fanigliulo on violin; Vincenzo Vitti on cello. Guest: Richard Sinclair (Caravan) on bass.