DEUS EX MACHINA

DEUS EX MACHINA's second album might not be as complex, innovative or insane ( it's still all of those things though) as what would follow but this is one of my favs from them. Just a killer album that reminds me of only one other band, and that is AREA. Alberto is his usual passionate self on vocals as we get lots of violin, guitar and keyboards along with the outstanding rhythm section. These guys are amazing players.

"Ad Montem" is quiet at first with the violin soloing away as it builds. Silence after 2 1/2 minutes then it kicks in after 3 minutes. Organ too. Vocals before 4 minutes as it settles back some. Another calm 5 minutes in. Ripping guitar late. "Vacuum" has intricate guitar melodies to start. Nice. Vocal melodies come in then it picks up after 1 1/2 minutes with vocals. This is good. The guitar is great 4 minutes in during this instrumental section. Violin follows. Vocals around 5 minutes to end it. "M.A." is a short piece with acoustic guitar melodies. "Hostis" is heavy with guitar then violin. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. It settles after 3 1/2 minutes but not for long. The guitar is really good 5 minutes in after the vocals stop.

"Cor Mio" sounds amazing when it picks up 1 1/2 minutes in. How good is this ! The guitar solos late. The rhythm section sounds great early on in "Si Tu Bene Valeas Ego Bene Valeo". Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes as it settles some. Contrasts continue. The last 2 minutes are incredible, very intense. "Lo Stato Delle Cose" opens with acoustic guitar then the sound gets fuller with vocals. Nice Zeuhl-like rhythm 2 1/2 minutes in. Fantastic intrumental section after 5 minutes. Vocals are back then more instrumental insanity follows. "Deus Ex Machina" is my favourite. It's laid back to start as vocals join in. It kicks in with some steller drum and bass work. So good ! Passionate vocal melodies before 4 minutes and some killer organ a minute later. Then the guitar lights it up and more impressive drumming follows. "Omega" is a short but powerful instrumental to end it.

Easily 4 stars and an album i'll be spinning often.