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!
