Recent Reviews

January 2025

December 2024

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


DGM: different shapes
Progressive/Power Metal
Rating: 4.5/5.0

www.dgmsite.com
www.scarletrecords.it
www.myspace.com/dgm2005
Reviewed by Craig Hartranft

How I stumbled across DGM and their new release 'Different Shapes' is blurred in the stack of new music I have to review. My first thought was, 'Cripes! Yet another Italian power metal band! Sure, next to Germany, Italy is power metal band. But after awhile they all seem to blur together like the aforementioned stack of CDs. But my cynicism was quickly pushed aside when I listened to this great album.

First, this is not simple power metal. 'Different Shapes' is melodic progressive metal undergirded with the strength of power metal to propel the music to your ears. Second, the production is as clean and clear as well polished glass. There is also certain and exceptional musicianship. In point: Titta Tani's vocals are incredible: he never strains even though his voice is called upon in diverse ways; Emanuele Casali's keyboard stylings are beautiful and never used as background material; and Simone Mularoni plays some mean guitar which is both clever and compelling. This is a very tight and skilled band, all the musicians are exceptional.

'Different Shapes' may refer to the variety within the the whole work for there is no montony. Each song can stand on its own merits. Even when DGM throws a curve and offers a track driven by dirty vocals, 'Peace Of Mind,' they do it with such acumen and agility to seem to be longtime masters. Other exceptional cuts are 'The Alliance,' 'Unkept Promises,' 'A Man I Will Never Be' and the absolutely brilliant 'The Fallen Angel.' Mr. Mularoni really shines on this one. From beginning to end there is enough diversity to keep you anxious for what the next song will bring.

'Different Shapes' is melodic progressive metal undergirded with the strength of power metal to propel the music to your ears. This is a true treasure and you should check at out as soon as possible.

In Short

If a band is only good as the sum of its parts, then Ride The Sky is destined for some great works in the future. 'New Protection' is well worth your consideration.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Powell-Payne: Voilá Album Review

The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]