Post Description

(RPI Dark Esoteric Prog) Antonius Rex - 1974-2012

Progressive Rock-Dark esoteric prog
2002-2009
Italy
FLAC (*.flac)
tracks+.cue
lossless

Antonius Rex biography
Probably the most charismatic figure of all the italian prog scene, Antonio Bartoccetti (ANTONIUS REX) began his career going to Milan from the Marche, forming JACULA, "Dietro Noi Deserto" 
(even with a single on Decca in 1971!), and "Invisible Force" (another lonely single in 1971). Not real bands but just a group of musicians working beyond the leading figures of Bartoccetti and 
Doris Norton (aka FIAMMA DALLO SPIRITO).

Their first album, in 1969, was recorded in London and only released in a strictly limited number of copies (300 + 10 promos) that were only partly distributed by the producer and label owner to sects. 
An album full of dark atmospheres, mainly based on guitar and church organ and with no drums, it has recently been reissued by Black Widow. In 1971 two singles were released under different names: 
first as "Invisible Force", with two tracks that later reappeared in "Tardo Pede In Magiam Versus" and "Zora"; the B-side 1999 mundi finis, later re-released as U.F.D.E.M. and "Morte Al Potere" is
one of their classics. The second single that year appeared under the name of "Dietro Noi Deserto", this time Bartoccetti was the bass player and composer of both tracks; this seems to be the only 
proper group which he has played with, and the style is closer to late 60's psychy beat than progressive.

Second album, and usually considered their first proper release, was "Tardo Pede In Magiam Versus", also released in limited number of copies for an unknown label (this seems to be a constant in all 
the Bartoccetti production) and housed in a cover sporting the same design as the previous one, but coloured instead of the original black and white.

The medium Franz Parthenzy is also listed in the line-up along with the three official members Antonio Bartoccetti, Fiamma Dallo Spirito and Charles Tiring. Long instrumental spectral organ parts 
are the main ingredient of this album, that has in the suggestive U.F.D.E.M. (also on the "Invisbile Force" single) probably their best track. Dark atmospheres abound and some tracks, like the spoken 
(in bad english) Long black magic night can be boring for many listeners.



Neque Semper Arcum Tendit Rex 1974** 
Zora 1977** 
Anno Demoni 1979** 
Ralefun 1979** 
Praeternatural 1980**
Magic Ritual 2005** + dvd5 
Switch On Dark 2006** 
Per Viam 2009 **
Hystero Demonopathy 2012 [mp3 320]