DGM: Endless

Hot on the heels of 2023’s Life, Italian progressive power metal band DGM return with Endless. Now, I say ‘progressive power metal band’ but with this latest outing, I’m not so sure all of those genre tags apply. Don’t get me wrong, Endless is progressive for sure, and it’s a little (not a lot) too heavy to be classed as prog-rock, but as has been the band’s trajectory in recent years, so this latest release from DGM sees them shake off yet more of that ‘power’ aspect of their sound and instead inject a smidge more melodic rock in place - so much so in fact that on this occasion, what they’ve served up verges on being Proglodic Metal. That, however, is no bad thing when this evolution is being crafted by such skilled hands, the balance between grandiose, catchy, technical and ambitious, expertly negotiated. It certainly helps that in Mark Basile DGM have a singer capable of snarling when the need arises but who is also as comfortable in near croon territory. “Solitude� is a prime example of this chameleon like shimmer, the grit and guile in the vocals matched by some sumptuous keyboard work from Emanuele Casali and an exquisite guitar solo from Simone Mularoni.

If that all sounds a little smoothly does it, don’t fret, the grandiose “Promises� adding some pomp rock passages to a forceful rhythmical backdrop as drummer Fabio Costantino and bassist Andrea Arcangeli prove heir worth. It’s “The Great Unknown� that maybe does the best job of illustrating DGM’s willingness to meld real melodic rock impulses with something more overtly progressive, as a chorus that digs deep into the mind vies keenly against swirling keys, urgent guitars and a searing solo. Pouring on ever more majesty, “The Wake� picks up the mantle and confidently repeats the trick, although with a more expansive musical eye taking control this time round. Interestingly, the epic on Endless is placed last in its running order, which maybe isn’t the most obvious spot for a length of track that usually requires an album to revolve around it. That said, with it’s slow initial pace, and the introduction of elements such as flute and violin (both of which fit seamlessly) it could possibly have pushed the album’s momentum off kilter had it landed slap bang in the centre. To me it’s a slow grower of a song on what elsewhere is a reasonably immediate listening experience, and while I initially saw it as something of a chink in its armour, the more I listen to Endless, the more I realise its (almost) title track is actually a real pillar of strength.

There’s no denying that DGM have been on a journey over the last decade and a half (in truth, longer), or that for some their transition may not be the one they desired from this band. However, I can’t think of another act out there right now expertly blending the different approaches being juggled with real success here. Endless won’t be the final step on that voyage but it is undoubtedly yet another rewarding and confident part of what is becoming quite the trip.

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

Added: October 21st 2024
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: DGM on facebook
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Language: english

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