SATURNINE

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.

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.