Finally, someone got it 100% right! Not only does this album demonstrate the strength of the human spirit, but the instruments speak of pain, struggles, growth, perseverance, and about moving on.
Each song is a brilliant soundscape of controlled emotion, which is ironic since we have very little control over our lives, generally speaking.
Tragic Separation is DGM’s 10th studio album, which was released by Frontiers Music Srl in early October 2020. And it follows their 2016 album The Passage. Simone Mularoni, guitarist and producer, has said of that 2016 album, “This album can easily be seen as our most ambitious work to date,” with guest appearances by many talented artists.
The main differences between then and now is that Tragic Separation is lyrically a more ‘emotionally charged’ album with the rhythm section to boot.
The first song, Flesh And Blood, provides a nice foundation for the rest of the 9 songs to follow. Marco Basile’s clear, crisp vocals keep up nicely with the drums and bass. Simone Mularoni displays intricate guitar fretwork while Emanuele Casali’s innovative keyboard work is a necessary element on this entire album.
It is no wonder why DGM chose Flesh And Blood to be made into an anxiously, troubled video about a man receiving his cancer diagnosis who then spirals out of control, goes on a drinking binge, and then pulls himself together long enough to go on a visual cross-country journey.
Eventually, he collapses to his death near the waterfront after taking in the spectacular view. It is awesomely produced and acted, and a much needed tool to present this album’s intensity.
Once again Marco Basile’s powerful vocal range is exhibited on Surrender, a robust song about desire, lust, unveiled fear, and unconcealed feelings. Lyrically, this album is charismatically engaging.
But the real standout on Tragic Separation is Land of Sorrow, with a techno-sounding intro, the instruments build rather quickly to a pinnacle leaving enough room for the majestic vocals.
With a spectacular guitar solo and keys galore, this song is exceptionally hypnotic. DGM states on their social media page, “This is the culmination of almost two years of work.
We poured all we had into this, the best notes we could find, the best sound we could seize. All in.” And it shows. Tragic Separation is a masterpiece that tantilizes the eardrums. Thank you for getting it right, DGM!!
Tracklist:
- Flesh And Blood
- Surrender
- Fate
- Hope
- Tragic Separation
- Stranded
- Land Of Sorrow
- Silence
- Turn Back Time
- Curtain
Line-up:
Marco Basile – Vox
Simone Mularoni – Guitars
Andrea Arcangeli – Bass
Emanuele Casali – Keyboards
Fabio Costantino – Drums
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Review by Jordonna Lobese for MPM