THE SINS OF OUR SAVIOURS

Another gem, from this versatile American duo, with the contribution of the vocalist from DEUS EX MACHINA, Alberto Piras. This album is in the vein of AREA, but is characterized also by a personal imprinting.As usual, talking about almost the whole recent production by A.T.M., They deserve a "4 stars and an half" score at least, despite of some less inspiring or anyway a bit repetitive moments.

A really original band that suffers no comparison, except maybe in their approach that one needs to be accustomed with before entering the puzzle drawn from their unique composition skills. Still, the very midi sounding arrangements that builds up the whole atmosphere of this album can represent an obstacle, as it is to me. But in the end, repeated listening do help to go beyond that poor esthetic point of view only. Besides, Alessandro Bonetti, Deus Ex Machina's violonist, gives warmth and depth to the few songs in wich he plays. I'm personally less convinced by Alberto Piras' gymnastics - but that's part of the Deus Ex Machina controversy. "The Sins Of Our Saviours" is indeed a very demanding album, but if i can measure and appreciate both the strong personality and the hard work of Tim Drumheller and Rick Eddy, i'm just confused at not being touched "that" much by their music.

3.5 stars. If there ever was an album that falls right in between 3 and 4 stars this is it. I reviewed their latest from 2006 called "The Remedy Of Abstraction" back in December of 2006 making it one of the early Prog albums I picked up back then. I didn't get into Prog until around 2005 and started doing reviews on here in August of 2006. It was probably that cover art that moved me to pick that one up. This band are a duo from the USA and they always seem to have some very talented guests helping out. Here it's the DEUS EX MACHINA vocalist and violinist adding their talents on several tracks. I couldn't get over that strong Classical vibe on this album which works well of course with Alberto's operatic vocals. I'm just not big on that style but this is too good to ignore or to not appreciate. This was album number four for the band released in 1998, a bleak time for Prog. The cover art will be getting no rewards that's for sure.

"The Awful Truth" opens with drums, piano and more with that strong Classical bent. Sounds like horns, percussion and other intricate sounds as well. It turns powerful after 2 minutes then settles back, A marching styled rhythm after 4 1/2 minutes and I like that angular guitar after 6 1/2 minutes. A very Classical instrumental to get us started.

"Bagliore(Glimmer)" has a brighter and more melodic sound as Alberto comes in with some restrained vocals at first. He does get passionate and check out those vocal melodies. Synths lead before 2 minutes with piano and a heavy rhythm section as the vocals step aside. Vocals are back before 3 minutes along with an urgent sound. It seems to start over again before 3 1/2 minutes with vocals and piano. A top three and one that kept getting stuck in my head.

"His Maddening Certainty" opens with synths, drums, piano, bass and more. It turns aggressive around 2 minutes then settles right down after 3 minutes with keys, synths and a Classical vibe. It picks up again at 6 minutes with drums and synths leading before settling back around 7 minutes. "Not A River" opens with piano, violin and horns in a Classical setting. The tempo picks up some and check out the violin on this track, so impressive! Synths lead for a minute then a calm arrives with sparse sounds coming and going.

"The (AG)Nostic Gospels" is another Classical sounding instrumental with drums, synths and piano leading the way. Some rare guitar 3 1/2 minutes in. "Stato Di Confusione Avanzata" is a top three. Piano as drums and more join in in this Avant flavoured tune. Some nice bass too. It becomes Classical sounding a minute in and Alberto arrives shortly after this. The tempo picks up at 2 minutes with synths leading then Alberto is back singing. Piano and drums lead after 3 minutes. I like that bass a minute later. A solemn mood here as Piras returns vocally.

"The Dust On My Mother's Bible" is something I could never say thankfully. Piano and drums create a heavy groove then synths and piano join in bringing that Classical sound after 1 1/2 minutes. Back to the earlier sound as this track continues to change slightly and themes are repeated. Some angular guitar around 7 1/2 minutes.

"When Faith Transcends Reason" is a top three for those incredible vocal arrangements. Oh my! When the vocals stop it becomes very experimental. You have to hear this. "Ken Who?" is Mr. Golden? Anyway we get mournful strings to start before some strong piano work takes over. Synths too in this Classical sounding closer.

This is completely different music from what "The Remedy Of Abstraction" has to offer. I am glad I won this though although it's sure not for the cover art. If your into the Classical side of things please check this one out.