Il Balletto di Bronzo

Il Balletto di Bronzo was an Italian progressive rock band that carved out a wild, experimental corner of the 1970s rock scene. Hailing from Naples, the group formed in the late ‘60s and became known for their intense, theatrical live shows and complex compositions. Their breakthrough came with the 1972 album *YS*, a swirling, keyboard-driven opus that blended classical influences, sci-fi themes, and psychedelic frenzy, cementing their cult status in the Italian prog canon. Led by vocalist/keyboardist Gianni Leone, their sound was unapologetically ambitious—think dramatic vocals, labyrinthine arrangements, and a knack for pushing boundaries.

Despite their short-lived original run (they disbanded in 1973), their music gained a second life among prog collectors, with reissues like *Rarities 1970* and *Sirio 2222* digging into early recordings and unreleased material. Tracks like *Il re del castello* showcase their mix of raw energy and baroque intricacy. Though they reunited briefly in the 2000s, their legacy rests on that brief, fiery peak when they helped define Italy’s prog golden age—a band unafraid to go big, weird, or operatically over-the-top.