Review Summary: Surprisingly enjoyable Prog-Metal from Italy
Italian Progressive Metal band DGM have been around for quite a while. Founded in 1994, their first full-length record was released in 1997. Eight records and several line-up changes later, they released their ninth studio album "The Passage" on August 26 this year.
The band, ironically named after the founding members Diego, Gianfranco and Maurizio (none of which remains in the band today), presents us with an eclectic sound on "The Passage".
Guitarist and producer Simone Mularoni describes the record as their most ambitious one to date. And ambitious it really is. Some sections are even reminiscent of bands like fellow Italian Goth Metal band Lacuna Coil or US Djent greats Periphery. Still, at its core, this is typical Progressive Metal in the style of Dream Theater or Fates Warning.
The songwriting on this record is very solid, to say the least. The melodies are beautiful, the riffs are catchy and can sometimes get pretty wild, in a good way. DGM clearly know what they are doing on their respective instruments. Listening to this record one cannot help but think that this talented group of musicians definitely deserves more recognition. The guitars, for instance, really shine on tracks like the super-heavy "Dogma", which features Symphony X's guitarist Michael Romeo. The drumming is solid and provides a good foundation for DGM's diverse sound, although it doesn't stand out as exceptional. Now to the aspect that will perhaps throw some people off: the vocals. Compared to other Prog-Metal vocalists, singer Mark Basile is among the better ones. He really shines on tracks like "Ghosts of Insanity", which also features swedish Prog-Metal band Evergreys singer Tom Englund. But, as with many Progressive or Power Metal acts, the vocals are an aquired taste. The fact that Basile's Italian accent can easily be noticed especially on the slower, more emotional songs on the album doesn't really help either. On the other hand, the great musicianship and songwriting on the record more than make up for it.
As stated above, DGM have been around for quite some time, and if they keep on releasing material like "The Passage", we can only hope they'll stick around for a little bit longer.
Standout Tracks:
The Secret, Pt 1
Ghosts of Insanity
The Passage
In Sorrow
