HIDDEN PLACE

This DGM CD is quite a bit different then all their previous recordings in 2 big way's. First off is the liberal use of odd time signatures found in ¾ of the material here. Next is that the keyboards have more of a presents, not just on the solo's. There is a lot of atmospheric subtleties as well and some very interesting new sounds. (Well, I guess "Dreamland" did have some of these qualities but "Hidden Places" takes it to a new level). Singer Titta Tani is back for his 2nd recording with this band and a monster of a vocalist he is with tons of power but no "ball squeezing" thank you. In a way he reminds me of Russell Allen from Symphony-X the way he gets down to some growling inflections when needed. Of worthy note are Drummer Fabio Costantino who propels the band forward by staying just a nano bit ahead of the beat. And then there's the awesome shred work of Diego Reali (from the Malmsteen school for sure). If you like Angra, Stratovarious, and Savatage but want a bit more technicality, then this CD is for you but only this particular DGM CD. Even DGMs follow-up to this one called " Misplaced" seems to go back to their old style. Only 1 or 2 songs on that recording are on the same wavelength as "Hidden Places", a bummer for me (cause I was really looking forward to it) but they must have had their reasons. Great musician's all. PS. I hear that Titta Tani is all done with DGM after "Misplaced " . Another bummer!!

Second album with Tita Tani behind the microphone and forth from their career Hidden place from 2003 bring nothing to both to the genre - progressive metal or to their sound overall. Again a fait good album, a perfect balance between progressive metal with power metal elements. The album is up tempo most of the time minus 2 tracks who are more mellow, but the whole thing here is well done, god musicianship. Some pieces like A Day Without the Sun or Heaven stands as the best from here, the rest are ok. The music in places is more complex then usual like on Heaven, great tune, but overall something is missing, to usual stuff. I don't think is their best, I prefere previous one and with the first vocalist Wings of time. I will give 3 stars, a good one but nothing more.