ALBUM REVIEW: DGM - Endless

DGM remain one of the hardest working, consistent and underrated bands in melodic metal having formed in 1996 and with eleven prior albums to their name. They may not have any original members left in the band, but this line up has been stable since 2007 and has released the finest material in the history of DGM. That consistency carries over into Endless, the 12th album from the Italian progressive metallers. 

Since 2007 and over their last six albums, DGM have become known for their driving style of progressive metal, full of breakneck energy, colossal melodies and overwhelming positivity and joy with elements of both power metal and AOR being an integral part of their sound. All of those ingredients are still present in some capacity on Endless, but this is a far more relaxed sounding DGM with the foot taken off the accelerator and the prog elements brought to the fore more than ever before. 

There is a classic prog sound to this album that recalls bands such as King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Yes and countless others from the 1970’s, and there is the added inclusion of instruments such as violin, flute and saxophone, as well as far more acoustic moments. Endless is also a concept album that chronicles one man's imaginative journey to understand the choices that shaped his life with different sections of the album reflecting the character’s voyage and resulting in some noticeable shifts of tone and mood throughout the album. 

It starts off quite dark and foreboding with songs such as The Great Unknown and The Wake, which is quite new territory for DGM, reminding me of bands such as Opeth and Porcupine Tree at times. The mid-section has a bit more brightness and hope in it which can be heard in tunes such as the magnificent From Ashes and Final Call before the album finishes with the climax of ...Of Endless Echoes which is pure classic DGM with all the elements that I love about this band in one glorious song. 

DGM have two special weapons in their arsenal - one being singer Mark Basile who has a truly incredible range with vocals which bristle with power and emotion. The other weapon utilised to maximum power is the guitar playing of Simone Mularoni who pours his absolute heart and soul into his solos; you feel them as much as hear them. 

One person who also deserves special mention is keyboard player Emanuele Casali who truly shines on this album with some of his finest playing. Considering their previous album Life only came out last year, DGM have crafted another superb album. This is easily the most mature and progressively natured album the band have done and their consistency and ability simply has to be applauded. Whether you are a prog metal fan or a fan of classic sounding prog rock, this album is one that definitely needs to be heard.

Endless is out on 18th October via Frontiers Music

Review by Richard Oliver.

Photo Credit: Matteo Ermeti