Alphataurus – 2084: Viaggio nel Nulla (AMS Records, 2024)
Alphataurus, the iconic Italian progressive rock band from Milan, has released its fourth studio album, 2084: Viaggio nel Nulla (Journey into Nowhere). This release comes after a decade-long pause, during which the band maintained its connection with fans through live performances and releases such as AttoSecondo (2012), Live in Bloom (2012), and Prime Numbers (2014).
Let’s dive in. Many classic progressive rock bands struggle to rekindle their original magic when they return decades later. Sadly, this Alphataurus release, for me, falls into that category. If they’re aiming to engage the progressive rock audience, you’d expect a lineup of intricately crafted, genre-defining material. Instead, what we get is a collection of tracks that might resonate more with a mainstream pop crowd than with seasoned prog enthusiasts.
The album opens with “Pista 6,” one of the standout tracks. This song fuses catchy rhythms and engaging vocal hooks with symphonic instrumentals, soulful call-and-response vocals, and rich harmonies, culminating in a fine blues-inflected guitar.
“Viaggio nel nulla,” the second track, is a rhythmic, toe-tapping number. Meanwhile, “Flashback (Apocalisse)” leans into a slightly harder edge, but still treads lightly within the broader musical spectrum.
“Wormhole” is the album’s lengthiest piece, a sprawling composition where symphonic keyboards and cinematic soundscapes take center stage, though, unfortunately, the vocal sections don’t match the intensity or inventiveness of the instrumental work.
“Meta e metà” (Track 5) begins with a vibrant mix of synths and organ before climaxing in an impressive guitar solo.
Finally, the closing track, “E=mc²,” is the album’s high point. This ballad encapsulates the beauty of Rock Progressivo Italiano, mixing acoustic guitars, evocative piano, and symphonic keyboards with a splendid section inspired by Western classical music. It’s here, in this fusion of styles and eras, that Alphataurus hints at their old brilliance, if only they had brought that same depth to the rest of the album.
2084: Viaggio nel Nulla has a dystopian sci-fi concept, weaving together philosophical and existential themes that harken back to the band’s 1973 self-titled debut, yet with a contemporary twist.
The CD edition features a tri-fold mini-LP papersleeve cover and a 16-page booklet, enriched by a futuristic cover illustration by the band’s drummer.
Musicians: Guido Wassermann on electric & acoustic guitars, synths, backing vocals; Andrea Guizzetti on piano, synths, backing vocals; Pietro Pellegrini on organ, Hammond organ, synths; Tony Alemanno on bass; Diego Mariani on drums, backing vocals; and Franco Giaffreda on lead vocals, classical guitar, flute.