THE INNER CIRCLE

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.

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.

It has become common for prog revivalists nowadays to show off on their first album just how proggy they can be. And so Dante bookends The Inner Circle with a 10-minute and a 19-minute song and stuffs the middle with a couple of 9- minuters. But they are seasoned musicians and hit the right buttons with hummable melodies, numerous change-ups and long instrumental sections. The thing that doesn't yet work for them, I think, is the "requisite" 20-minute epic, as it is somewhat incohesive. Dante doesn't break any new ground, but what is distinctive of them is their love for classic prog and 70s hard rock with their penchant for retro-sounding synths and that gruffy earnest voice.