At Progressive Rock Journal, it’s always an honor to speak with legendary figures from the golden age of Italian Progressive Rock. Few names resonate with such historical weight and musical depth as Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno. With their new album “In Fuga“—an evocative, refined work that bridges past and present—they confirm their vital role in the evolution of the genre. We are thrilled to have the chance to talk with the band about their latest work, the creative process behind it, and of course, take a look back at the timeless legacy of Italian Prog.
“In Fuga” feels like a natural continuation of your classic sound while also embracing a modern touch. What inspired the concept behind the album, both musically and lyrically?
Freedom—this is what inspired In Fuga.
Outer freedom from prejudices, conditioning, banalities, nationalisms—hence, an escape from all that. And then inner freedom: a journey and escape within ourselves, to probe depths never reached before, to come into contact with our fear, anger, pain, and all forms of conditioning, and to dissolve them through observation without judgment.
Musically, the roots of this album reach far back, to the experience of Per… un mondo di cristallo, our first album from 1972, characterized by dark atmospheres and socially conscious lyrics. In Fuga follows that path but becomes more “rock,” since now as the leader, I can focus more on my ’70s rock influences, ranging from Arthur Brown to the hard rock blues of Led Zeppelin, Spirit, and all the best of English progressive.
The lyrics come from my own writings—travel journals, dreams (see Incubo), and stories from my life, which has been far from ordinary.
Can you tell us more about the writing and recording process of this new album? How did it compare to your early works?
The album was conceived and written by me and arranged by Maurizio Pariotti, who was RRR’s keyboardist at the time, twelve years ago. It was then shelved, and only two years ago did I decide to produce it with a more modern approach, updated with new technologies. I brought in Walter Martino, the legendary drummer of Goblin, as artistic producer. In Fuga was entirely recorded on the island of Elba in his studios, except for Incubo, which had both a different production and drummer.
Vocally, I used my voice in a more screamer-style approach (also due to my experience in the ’90s with DGM, a prog-metal band), but essentially In Fuga is the natural continuation of Il Pittore Volante from 2010. If you listen carefully, the song Il Cambiamento has the same vibe as Incubo—a hard rock prog piece.
The balance between melody and complexity in your compositions is striking. How do you approach songwriting today, and has your creative method changed over the years?
I like to write lyrics about powerful, real things—those that belong to the unconscious, to life, to the quest for meaning. I find lyrics about fairies, gnomes, and fantasy worlds in prog unbearably dull. I’ve always been this way from the start, so my way of writing hasn’t really changed—only the world has changed… and how!
The Italian Progressive Rock scene of the ’70s is considered by many as a golden age. What do you remember most vividly from those years—both musically and culturally?
Can you imagine a “new world” suddenly opening before you like an abyss that takes your breath away? That’s what the early ’70s felt like.
Young people were truly in an unseen film—everything was being questioned, including music. Unknown dimensions were being invented and explored. It was as if youth would never end—it was wonderful!
Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno debuted with “Per… Un Mondo di Cristallo” in 1972, a landmark record. Looking back, how do you see that album today, and how do you feel it influenced your career and the scene as a whole?
Per… Un Mondo di Cristallo was conceived by six extraordinary KIDS! The flutist was 16, the others between 18 and 20. I don’t know how, but somehow such a complex album came from those young kids from the suburbs.
RRR had two souls back then: one jazz, the other rock-blues. From this blend came an entire musical world.
After our breakup in 1974, I recorded an album with Samadhi (a band I formed with guitarist Nanni Civitenga), then left music for 13 years to devote myself entirely to painting. I returned to singing in the early ’90s with DGM, and later reformed Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno in 2010.
RRR allowed my personality to live two parallel lives: that of a classical painter in the style of Caravaggio, and that of an avant-garde musician recognized in the global prog scene. It’s amazing how RRR is loved worldwide, even if by a niche audience.
Many Progressive fans around the world discover your music decades after its original release. How does it feel to have a new generation appreciating your work today?
I know what it means to love a band that reflects your feelings, your life, your values—that’s how I was in London in the late ’60s, at the Marquee listening to Free and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. Those influences never leave you, because when there is true art, it lives within you forever.
For me, it’s an honor to be approached by a young fan—I have great respect for that.
“In Fuga” features rich arrangements and strong narrative elements. Are there any specific themes or messages you aimed to communicate with this release?
As a young musician, I once listened to a talk by Jiddu Krishnamurti, the philosopher who investigated the workings of the mind. That encounter was pivotal in my life. I began to delve into the depths of the mind and its behaviors. My lyrics come from that journey—a 50-year investigation. And that’s what I’d love to convey to young people today: the seriousness of searching.
How do you see the current state of the Progressive Rock scene, especially in Italy? Are there any modern bands you appreciate or find inspiring?
To be honest, I don’t see many great progressive bands on the horizon in Italy. The movement is in decline, just like much of Italian culture. It’s not a good time for arts here.
What’s more interesting is the revival of classic Italian prog bands that are courageously reforming and releasing new albums—bands where I’ve also been a guest vocalist. I’m talking about L’Uovo di Colombo, Semiramis, Ellesmere (the only truly new project), Baba Yoga, Il Buon Vecchio Charlie, Il Balletto di Bronzo—all proud representatives of Italian prog, always distinct thanks to the use of Italian lyrics.
Over the decades, the music industry has changed dramatically. How have these changes affected your approach to making and releasing music?
Another hot topic. In Italy, the music industry mostly exists to exploit the artist. Major labels are mostly interested in commercial music, and small labels struggle to survive. Most of the costs fall on the artist: recording studios, production… there’s not much support.
Luckily, in my case, my label is present and supportive, so I can produce an album whenever I want. That’s already a big advantage.
Prog is often seen as a genre that thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries. How do you balance staying true to your original sound while evolving as artists?
Prog encompasses many influences—from jazz rock to hard rock, fusion, ballads, electronic, symphonic music, and more. That’s why it’s important—because it is culture. You can only evolve within these genres, which are musical culture. This reality is as solid as stone—you can’t scratch it—because it holds a truth.
What’s next for Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno? Are there plans for live performances or further recordings in the near future?
We’ve already played some promotional gigs in Italy for In Fuga, but our goal is to return to Japan, where we are highly followed and appreciated. As for the future, RRR tends to release a new album every four years on average—we’ll see if fate allows us to continue.
Finally, what message would you like to send to all your long-time listeners and the new fans discovering your music through “In Fuga”?
In Fuga is an album conceived 12 years ago. I’ve had plenty of time to reflect and craft a high-quality product, played by musicians I’ve grown up with: Mario Schilirò (guitarist for Zucchero and Teoremi), Walter Martino (drummer of Goblin), Nanni Civitenga (my alter ego in RRR for over 50 years), Claudio Simonetti (Goblin’s leader), Alessandro Tomei, Lorenzo Milone, Maurizio Pariotti, Nicola Di Staso, Massimiliano Castellani, Fabio Alessandrini—all incredibly creative and professional musicians. That’s why In Fuga is such a strong work.
Follow us and love us as we love you, dear progsters.
We want to sincerely thank Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno for their time and for sharing such meaningful insights. Their latest album “In Fuga” is yet another testament to their timeless artistry and to the enduring power of progressive rock. We look forward to seeing what the future holds and, in the meantime, continue to revisit both their new and classic works with admiration and gratitude.
Purchase the new album “In Fuga” on Bandcamp | AMS/BTF Webshop: CD Version | LP Version
Read our review of the album here: [Review] Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno – In Fuga