Deus ex machina

The Profile

Deus Ex Machina are an Italian progressive/jazz-rock group from Bologna, formed in 1985. Fronted by Alberto Piras, they are known for virtuosic interplay and distinctive Latin-language vocals. Often compared to the 1970s Italian prog tradition and Area’s jazz-rock edge, they gained strong recognition abroad. Their third album, De republica, is widely acclaimed.

Bologna-based progressive/jazz-rock band; vocals by Alberto Piras often in Latin, including Cicero texts; praised as heirs to 1970s Italian prog; recognized more abroad than in Italy; De republica regarded as their personal masterpiece; noted lineup on De republica: Alberto Piras (vocals), Maurizio Collina (guitar), Fabrizio Pugliesi (keyboards), Alessandro Sonetti (violin), Alessandro Porreca (bass), Claudio Trotta (drums).

An enthusiastic review crowns De republica as Deus Ex Machina’s personal masterpiece. The Bologna group fuses prog, jazz and folk with intricate structures and virtuoso interplay. Alberto Piras’s theatrical Latin vocals, including Cicero texts, dominate the sound. Positioned as heirs to Italy’s 1970s prog, the band is praised for skill yet noted as underrecognized at home.