DVS Records never failed to impress me with outstanding releases of progressive metal, or experimental metal (in the case of Dynamic Lights). DVS is a label that keeps releasing exceptional pieces of work. This label seems like an oasis between countless labels releasing tons of useless CD's and trying to destroy my nerve system.
Dynamic Lights is the label's latest release.Dynamic Lights is an Italian act and Shape is their debut album (they have released in the past minor releases, I have heard their Resurrection EP and happens to be quite cool too). Even from the spooky front cover one can suspect that something is going on in here. Hmm... what I can say is that as long as bands like Dynamic Lights exist progressive metal will never wither. Thinking about it Dynamic Lights can best be described as a progressive band since trying to sound metal is not one of the band's top priorities.
Take for a base the last couple releases from Pain of Salvation (especially Be). Now add to this a band not trying to imitate anything or anyone. I have the feeling that the boys behind this band are most interested in writing deeply lyrical and atmospheric music than anything else. In fact if their next album is less metallic than this one I would not be surprised at all. It takes a lot of guts to listen the entire album in a row. Most songs are above six minutes length. Most of the time the band keeps a low / moody profile for their compositions. The production is brilliant, quite warm helps the colorful compositions to reach a new level. If I have to complain about something is the luck of electrifying moments, something that in my opinion would have helped even more. Indeed there are very few moments where the songs get closer to metal than to atmosphere. Highlights of the album can be considered the following: In The Hands Of A Siren, Going To Nowhere and The Big Show.
In conclusion I found this album a really interesting debut. I'm really looking forward to listen the next steps of evolution of this band.