Power of Metal.dk Review

DGM
Momentum
Rating
Style: Progressive Metal
Release date: 26 March, 2013
Playing time: 56:01
 


DGM is Italy's answer to Symphony X mixed with Dream Theater. "Momentum" is the perfect title for this album, since once DGM starts, they barely let up. "Momentum" has all the traits of a typical DGM release: fast-paced power metal-tinged prog; ripping guitar solos, tasty keyboard flourishes and the strong vocals of current singer Mark Basile. Basile can flat-out SING, and he also writes a catchy vocal melody.

A metal band is only as good as their drummer and that's why DGM is so damn good. Fabio Constantino is a beast. He and bassist Andrea Arcangeli provide a solid foundation throughout "Momentum" for guitar god Simone Mularoni and keyboardist Emanuele Casali to go completely insane over. But the real key to this album's greatness is the songs. DGM write really good songs with infectious melodies. These are songs you wind up singing along to before too long.

The highlights? The lead track "Reason" is a duet with Basile and Symphony X singer Sir Russell Allen. This just underscores the connection between these bands. The song is perfect for them to trade lines back and forth. The next track, "Trust," is one of my favorite songs of 2013. In fact, it's one of my favorite songs of ANY year. The music is typically relentless and the hooks are big. The lyrics are about overcoming addictions and being able to trust yourself again. As someone who has battled this myself, I use this song as a triumphant reminder whenever I need it. It has such power.

The album has one slower song (slower for DGM anyway) and that's "Repay," an emotional song about owing someone for their faith in you. Then it's pedal-to-the-floor once again with "Chaos," another catchy tune with a guitar solo by Jørn Viggo Lofstad from Pagan's Mind. "Overload" and "Void" are two more highlights toward the end of the album. Both have the keyboards providing the hook and both have outstanding choruses. "Void" has one of the best pre-choruses ever.

For a band that has been around a while, DGM seem to get better with age. This lineup has to be their strongest to date, and accordingly, "Momentum" is their strongest record.

This review is dedicated to my prog-brother Alfredo Gallegos for recommending DGM to me. Thanks, bro!


Tracklist
01. Reason
02.
Trust
03.
Universe
04.
Numb
05.
Pages
06.
Repay
07.
Chaos
08.
Remembrance
09.
Overload
10.
Void
11.
Blame
Label: Scarlet Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 80/100
Reviewed by: Rob Pociluk
Date: 23 August, 2013
Website: www.dgmsite.com