DGM: Life (MELODIC METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Exactly three years after the release of "Tragic Séparation", their previous opus, DGM return to the forefront of the metal scene with "Life", their eleventh studio album in a career spanning almost twenty years. This is a respectable production rate, especially in view of the band's evolution, which has matured over the years and freed itself from the influences of its beginnings (Yngwie Malmsteen in particular), to establish itself as a genuine force in melodic prog metal.

DGM's sound is easily recognizable, with walls of guitars and riffs of striking effectiveness. The Italians' musical identity is underpinned by Mark Basile's raspy, expressive voice, historic drummer Fabio Constantino, who has been with the band since 1998, and the talent of Simone Mularoni in a twirling style that leans less towards neo-classical than before, but is above all highly varied and technically flawless. A word also about Emmanuele Casali's keyboards, very present without being intrusive, in a sobriety reminiscent of Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater.

Less technical, or at any rate less demonstrative in recent albums, the Italian quintet confirms this on "Life", with compositions that, while still highly polished, have a power-melodic feel to them like 'To the Core' and 'Dominate'. Today's influences are to be found in bands such as Myrath or Threshold, with whom DGM shares a taste for accessible melodic progressive metal.

The Italians have also rid themselves of the cumbersome concepts that often plague melodic prog metal albums, trapping them in a frequently superfluous narrative discourse. Here, the tracks stand on their own, despite a slight sonic redundancy inherent to power metal. It's almost always the melodic aspect that wins the day, especially on the catchiest tracks like 'Find Your Way', opener 'Unravel The Sorrow' and the excellent 'Journey To Nowhere'. The album offers little in the way of rhythmic breathing space, as the tempo is so high and the impression of power so predominant. However, the instrumental 'Eve' offers us a welcome one in a register somewhere between Satriani and Dream Theater.

We can't end this presentation without mentioning the enormous Frontiers Records production, which gives the album a powerful, balanced sound, where each instrument is perfectly identifiable.

"Life" is certainly DGM's most balanced album, and perhaps also their most accomplished in terms of writing and arrangements. It's got everything - technique, huge sound, melodies, energy and emotion - to please every metal fan. A highly successful release in a melodic power prog register that doesn't forgive the slightest mistake. - Official website

DGM

LIFE

FRONTIERS RECORDS

MELODIC METAL