Atila - Reviure

1978 Spain

Review originally published in Gnosis on February 9, 2001. Edited on August 28, 2007.

The Catalonian group Atila released three diverse albums in the mid to late 70's. Starting primarily as a raw hard rock psych group, Atila evolved into one of the finest instrumental progressive space rock acts around. They are one of the few 70's Spanish bands to not include a strong indigenous element to their sound.

After two albums, the band delivered their coup de grace, "Reviure". Promoted to the top commercial label of its day, EMI/Odeon, Atila produced another primarily all instrumental album. Now the hard rock/psych edges of their previous album "Intencion" have been replaced by a smoother cosmic edge. The organ tossed completely for the moog and the biting fuzz guitar for a more spacey one. The complex progressive moves are still here, but now the focus is on long synthesizer drones and atmospheric spacey guitar. The four long tracks on display here are each marked by their superb composition style, changes of tone and mood, and subtle energy. Sounding unlike any other album from Spain, Reviure is a must listen for the fan of Continental European progressive music.

See more reviews here