DGM
Momentum

LA RECENSIONE

On March 26, 2013, after a 4-year break from the fantastic "Frame," DGM returns with a new full-length album of excellent quality; the latest creation from our local quintet is called "Momentum" and I'll say it right now, this album is a true masterpiece, free from any criticism.

The lineup remains the same as the previous album, and the compositions are fresh and powerful, combined with an enviable melodic flair.

Lineup

Mark Basile             Vocals
Fabio Constantino     Drums   
Andrea Arcangeli       Bass   
Simone Mularoni      Guitars
Emanuele Casali      Keyboards

The album opens with "Reason," a devastating track featuring a wicked tritone and an ever-evolving killer guitar riff, a punch in the stomach that you can be happy about. This opener features Mr. Russell Allen, no introduction needed, who duets with Mark Basile, both delighting us with a superb vocal performance (really?), with vocal lines that immediately stick in your head and you can't help but sing along by the second chorus. The usual guitar and keyboard solos follow, topped off with an impeccable unison, followed by a final chorus that you'll want to sing at the top of your lungs. The track was released as a single, go watch the video on YouTube if you haven't already.

The second track, "Trust," kicks off with an almost Hard & Heavy riff followed by a Verse + Bridge that continuously ascends until reaching the stunning chorus—a feast for the ears...

"Universe" is an up-tempo track opened by Casali's magnificent keyboards that delight us with a beautiful 5/8, gaining incredible power when the guitar and drums join in. Superb rhythmic work and always catchy vocal lines make it impossible not to want to sing along.

Next are "Numb" and "Pages," respectively a mid-tempo and an up-tempo; the first is very heavy, while the second is more prog. Noteworthy is a touching keyboard solo in the middle of the fifth track.

The sixth track, "Repay," is a semi-ballad of rare beauty, with only vocals and piano for the first minute and a half. Mularoni's guitar solo in this piece is stunning, a perfect blend of technique and emotion.

"Chaos" is an excellent prog-power track featuring Jørn Viggo Lofstad (guitarist of Pagan's Mind); the Norwegian gifts us a fantastic guitar solo, although the true star of the track seems to be the orchestration. The track is chameleon-like, alternating between sometimes oriental, sometimes heavy bridges, until it reaches the powerful chorus.

In conclusion, 4 phenomenal tracks, the first "Remembrance" being one of my favorites, with a damn catchy chorus and a stunning guitar solo.

The intro "Overload" couldn't help but remind me of a fusion of "The Test That Stumped Them All" and "Sea of Lies" by Dream Theater and Symphony X, respectively. This one is also to be adored for its easily digestible chorus and a sublime middle section.

Tenth position for "Void," a very personal track; noteworthy is the middle section presenting a stunning dorian keyboard scale in 7/8 with guitar and beautiful drum fills accompanying it.

The CD concludes with "Blame," characterized by a fluctuating verse in 6/8 followed by a bridge that leads to the climax; the chorus is simply superb, melancholic, magnificent, hard to describe if you don't listen to it.

There is nothing more to say about this CD; if you haven't done so yet, rush to buy it. It doesn't matter if you don't like Prog-Power, if you're among those who aren't familiar with this band, you won't find a better opportunity than this to get to know them and be astonished.