Endless
DGM
From their record label’s website. “Guitarist Simone Mularoni comments on the new record, by saying: “Endless” is the band's first real concept album. And it's also the first DGM album that includes many more dynamic and acoustic moments than in the past. If until now we have always pushed on the accelerator and on the power, this time we have chosen to include many more reflective moments, mixing the most classic progressive rock with parts that are typically in the DGM style.” “Endless” is a concept album that chronicles one man's imaginative journey to understand the choices that shaped his life. Through vivid storytelling, the album explores the eternal question - how might life be different if I had taken another path?
“Promises” is first, and it affirms my contention that Marco has one of the finest voices in the genre. Flute is an interesting addition to their sound, but the keyboards remain an active part of repertoire. As they explore, they hit on many complimentary sounds, and their ability to deftly shift gears is second to none. “The Great Unknown” begins with a faster moving sound fueled by thick bass notes, a heavy riff, and some powerful drum fills. It pumps me up…the sound is positive, affirming, and resolute, and I get a strong KANSAS vibe here. Listen to those dexterous lead guitar runs…Simone leaves his peers in the dust when he buries the strings. “The Wake” has smoother edges but the accents are sharp. There are also thick vocal harmonies in the chorus, and some big hooks.
“Solitude” has a gentler sound, and the band is just as good at the stripped down as they are the monumental. The band shows a good deal of restraint here with holding back the dammed water. “Final Call” might be the catchiest song on the album. The energy is bright and flows right through you, and they keep it moving the entire way. The chorus is a big punch in the face as well. “Blank Pages” is a piano led power ballad, where Marco stretches out his vocals comfortably. The extended lead passage will leave a smile on your face, as it follows the melody so well. The lengthy “…Of Endless Echoes” closes the album, and I haven’t heard a 14-minute epic that flows through so many time and sound changes while keeping the core of the song alive this well in a while.
I remember receiving an earlier album from DGM as a random assignment, and I also remember how impressed I was with their musicianship and their style, and I remain so today. They aren’t just another Progressive band with AOR tendencies…they are seasoned, experienced musicians and this is yet another strong effort, where musicianship meets songwriting in perfect spades.
9 / 10
Almost Perfect
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Endless" Track-listing:
1. Promises
2. The Great Unknown
3. The Wake
4. Solitude
5. From Ashes
6. Final Call
7. Blank Pages
8. ...Of Endless Echoes
DGM Lineup:
Simone Mularoni – Guitars, Keyboards
Marco Basile – Vocals
Emanuele Casali – Keyboards, Flute
Fabio Costantino – Drums
Andrea Arcangeli – Bass
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