DANTE

With Saturnine we're served the second effort from talented German prog metal band Dante, and while not quite as impressive as their initial effort it is a well made production that should please fans of the genre.

The main characteristic trait of this album is variation. The longer compositions in particular move from sound to sound and atmosphere to atmosphere constantly, and it will take many runs through the album just to get familiar with it. The richness in textures, arrangements and motifs should keep the avid listener busy for weeks on end. Another trait peculiar to this creation is the downtuned guitar sound, distorted to the point of almost sounding electronic at times.

Apart from that, progressive metal of a Dream Theater inspired school is the name of the game here, but sans the emphasis on instrumental virtuosity and mostly residing within a low to midpaced structure. There aren't too many challenging features overall, rich arrangements contrasted with parts more sparsely crafted instrumentation wise one of few effects of a more sophisticated nature that's showcased.

All in all a solid, well made and well produced affair.

Second album of this intristing band from Germany , is another worthy experience in prog metal field. Named Saturnine from 2010, released not long time ago, in march , Dante keeping the same atmosphere and regular catchy songs like on previous one. They beggind with right foot with the debute who was a very solid album, and continue in same manner, excellent musicianship and good pieces. The album has a little over an hour of music , but manage to capture my attention entirely , specially on instrumental passages whre the keys and rhytmic section shines truly. What I like to this band, one of the most promising prog metal bands from new generation is that they keep the same attitude, they didn't become more heavier just to please more listners, but aswell they didn't become softer to cath a wider auditorium, they remain faithfull to their belifes, making good music and be honest all the time. Some tracks that worth mentioning here are, Never Return - with excellent intro, brilliant guitar riffing and solid druming and the instrumental Modal Acousma , the rest are ok, not really fantastic, little less intristing than before, but ok. I've notice the deep bass line made by Dennis Neumeier, who sounds crunchy and damn good was one of the highlights of the album, the voice sounds good, but in some parts is a monotonous. So a fairly good album, 3.5 rounded to 4, because I like this band how sounds, even in places the DT similarities is obvious. Good band , good album, but I prefere the first one.

In one word - excellent

What we have here is not an every day prog metal band. The music they play here is very intriguing, very smooth and well composed. Dante is a young german band who has only one album 'till today named the inner circle. This is the kind of album you love at first listning, doesn't mean is not complex or naive in compositions, contrary, is quite complex and very solid prog metal. All the pieces are very well written and has that something that catches the ears of every prog metal listner, at least I was very impressed by this band. This debute album is a kick ass relese. The older bands from this genre must take a listen to Dante because they have a lot to offer these days in prog metal. The music is something between Dream Theater in aproach but without being to pretentios in manner of composing, but without doubt strong musicianship on all pieces and some Vanden Plas here and there. Great interplays between guitar and keys, in fact the keys and the voice is the cherry on the cake here. Alexander Göhs has a very powerfull voice , qute distinctive from oter vocalists, very smooth in aproach if the piece si slow like The Giving and very strong range if the piece turned in a more metalic side of prog. All the piece are realy strong, but with a plus on the opening track Faded, Ghost from the Past - here all members shine on every instruent they play - brilliant piece, and the last one , an epic of almost 20 minutes of high class prog metal. So, all in all a very promising debute, if the next album sounds like this one , then the future of Dante is for sure a great one in prog metal zone. Anyway 'till the second release this is a real pleasure to listen album and desearve a full 4 stars. recommended among the best albums from prog metal field in last couple of years.

Impressive debut album from this German outfit.

They are one of many bands following the Dream Theater school of progressive metal; but instead of following the rulebook to the letter this band has used it for general guidance only, and have worked hard to make something unique.

Some segments are typical Dream Theater still, rough guitar riffs mixed with epic keyboard textures is the element most often popping up in the compositions. But the warm, gentle and emotional vocals, the inclusion of warm and gentle mellow sections as well as darker, more ominous atmospheres done with subtle nuances rather than melodramatic overkill, the inventive use of many keyboard sounds and layers of those; small details like a fanfare-like keyboard theme at the end of a long tune; and having small details adding textures to the songs in general really sets these guys apart.

Slightly weak production and some compositional weaknesses are the only weak aspects of this release; but neither of them should keep fans of the genre away from checking out this one. Overall a very good release, and one of the best debut albums I've come across in this genre.