Only a year has passed since DGM's 11th album Life (see review) saw the light of day and we are already treated to a new album by these Italian prog metal rockers. My conclusion on their previous album was Life is a fast, heavy, progressive power metal album and if you are a DGM or Dream Theater fan, it is a must have album for sure; play it LOUD and you will be hooked. Now, after a couple of spins of DGM's new album Endless I am kind of disappointed as lots of new songs here feature more acoustic moments than in the past, and you all know how I feel about acoustic songs and moments, right? These, somehow subtle changes with flute, violin and saxophone, provided the new songs of DGM with a kind of different sound, as influences from bands like Kansas or even Yes can be heard on Endless. However, any prog rock/metal fan will still find Endless an excellent and highly entertaining musical journey. The opening track Promises is an example of the "new" sound of DGM, featuring lots of acoustic guitar and flute as well, creating that classic prog rock sound. Luckily The Great Unknown and The Wake are faster and heavier and the prog metal sound of DGM is back with a vengeance; From Ashes is probably the heaviest song of the album, showcasing DGM's metallic skills at 100% indeed, with Simone Mularoni's impressive guitar playing at top notch level. DGM saves the best for last as Of Endless Echoes is a wonderful prog metal epic, the album's magnum opus indeed. This closing track has it all, diversity, soaring guitar solos, emotional vocals; making it a heavy prog metal gem indeed. Overall, DGM has delivered another great album, but for me their previous album was better - read heavier - but Endless is still a must have album for DGM and Dream Theater fans. Listening tip: From Ashes! ***+ Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
