DEUS EX MACHINA

The first number drew my attention as it gradually increase in tension and evolved into the most memorable "song"on this album. The following pieces add up, if not in quality, at least in form of personnal expression. But I must say that by the 2/3 of the album , I lose interest and when it is over, I am very happy that it is so. Live in Verviers in early 04 , their music is very much like this album, and the singer apparently has everything to say in this band. He directs everything in musical directions but also decides at what level his colleagues should play for I have seen him tune down both the amp for the bassist and the guitarist. I did not see the soundman (as I was standing behind him) tell him to do so. Anyway , this is a normal Italian prog band with a harder sound than most of its contemporaries.

I mostly agree with the inimitable Mr. Chantraine's review of this album, but would like to add my own spin as well.

Definitely the first few tracks are the best, with the first track and Hostis standing out. M.A. is also a nice acoustic and violin number. Past Hostis things start to get a bit heavy going, not because the music is overly complex (though it is quite complex), but because it starts to seem a bit too homogeneous. This would not be an issue on the next album, but here I find my attention wavering after the first few songs. Still, the title track (also the namesake song of the band) is quite good and seems to be a bit of a showcase for their then new drummer near the end of the song. The final track is kind of cool, but a bit too odd and repetitive. Maybe not the best way to end the album.

This album suffers from the same lack of volume as the previous one (at least my copy does), only now it is even quieter than before! I find that I can turn my volume up to the maximum setting and it is not even all that loud (most CD's I can't turn up this high or they are way too loud). The overall mix is better though, and the instruments all sound good (not distortions like on the previous album). This one sounds like a studio album at least, with half decent production values (other than the volume issue of course).

Piras is a bit less shrill here, perhaps due to the improved recording quality. There are still some harsh moments, but in general I love his singing on here. It would really be the next album, however, until he reaches a kind of perfection (for me) with his vocalizations.

All in all, not a bad album, but not really for anyone other than fans of the other albums. I'd still recommend starting with the next album, De Republica, as that is their masterpiece in my mind. But not a bad album, and a solid 3 stars.

A fascinating Bologna-based group,DEUS EX MACHINA were formed in 1985 and released a good concept debut album in 1991,entitled ''Gladium Caeli'' with a somewhat excessive style of both playing and singing.A year later their sophomore eponymous debut was published.In ''Deus ex machina'' classic and progressive rock meet the fusion side of music.For your own translation,the early heavy rock style of bands like OSANNA and OSAGE TRIBE is mixed with interesting acoustic guitars,beautiful synths and very dramatic vocals in the vein of AREA's Demetrio Stratos.The whole attractive package is supported by the fusion-like intricate interplays,the energetic rhythm section and the numerous violin passages,not unlike MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA.Finally and with a more ''studio-oriented'' sound DEUS EX MACHINA have offered us a unique,complicated and well-performed album,showcasing their even more brighter future.A strongly recommended work.

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.