Dante - "The Inner Circle" Review

Artist/ Band: Dante
Title: The Inner Circle
Label: MySpace Muzik
Year of Release: 2007
Artist/ Band Link (click for more details)

The Review:

Dante is a new melodic progressive metal band from Germany that goes outside the parameters of the genre by adding a modern metal element. Their debut, "The Inner Circle" displays songs that are complex yet accessible. Most are around the 8 minute mark, which seems to be the standard length in the genre. While they have similar tendencies to bands like Dream Theater they show that they are not part of the clone movement. In fact they display besides a modern metal sound, some jazzy moments like on "Ghost From The Past” (My favorite of the bunch).

The production like most progressive metal is slick, sometimes too slick. The instrumentation seems too cold and mechanical at times. This to my ears is the band’s downfall, a minor downfall. Everyone on board does a fantastic job especially singer, Alexander Göhs who is one of the factors that keeps the band unique in my opinion.

"The Inner Circle" is one of the finer progressive metal albums I’ve heard in a while and I look forward to hearing more. I’d recommend Dante’s debut to all fans of progressive metal. You owe it to check out their MySpace page and hear what they have to offer, then buy their CD! Very recommended debut of 2008!!!

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on June 19th, 2008

Tracks:

1. Faded

2. Ghost From The Past

3. For I Am

4. Not Like Myself

5. The Giving

6. The Taking

Reviewed Discography

Related reviews by this artist/band at ProgNaut.com.

"The Inner Circle" 2007
"Saturnine" 2010