Dominici - 03 A Trilogy - Part 3


Year of Release: 2009
Label: Inside Out
Catalog Number: IOMCD 202/SPV 79732
Format: CD
Total Time: 56:41:00

So, it's been a while now since this third installment of the 03 A Trilogy was released, as it came out late 2008/early 2009. It's odd to think that I've had this in and out of rotation now for the better part of the year (as, in January 2010, I was trying to catch up with 2009!). This title continues the story begun back in 2005 with 03 A Trilogy ? Part 1, which I've not heard but my fellow scribbler Joshua has reviewed (found here); and which continued in 2007 with 03 A Trilogy ? Part 2 (of which you'll find 3 reviews on this site).

In this chapter, a nuclear explosion in the Middle East touches off a war between nations, and humanity is wiped out to start again ? not by the explosion but by something else? There is a religious theme to this ? a parable, if you will, that is far from preachy, and maybe not really even pointed, either. The lesson isn't about what happens in the end, but what happens before then, which, in many ways has nothing to do with religion, but with human nature. I think it's more cynical to the last, but that may just be my reading of it, being cynical. While I see a subtext of a Christian versus Muslim theme here, and certainly a reference or two, in the abstract, to the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan (and I'm sure the "little man" reference is directed at Iran's president; references to eagles is the US), there's something else that occurred to me. Although it's pure coincidence, what came to mind is: this has all happened before and will happen again (Battlestar Galactica fans will get the reference). Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it?

Anyway, about it musically: Dominici tell their story using varying styles of progressive metal - going from Dream Theater like epicness (yes, I know Dominici was once vocalist w/DT, it just happens that the music reflects a similarity) to Teutonic-like warrior-chorus metal (a la Blind Guardian) to melodic metal to something dark and deep - well shy of (stereo)typical dark-black-doom metal in terms of vocals. Dominici vocally reminds me a lot of Geoff Tate - he's operatic, epic.

Guitars scream and dance about like whirling Dervishes, drums thunder, bass pummels - it's muscular and aggressive, definitely metal for men. But also, it carries you along, immersing you into the story, providing the backdrop to the "action." It's not really presented like an opera, although different characters (there is the unnamed prisoner; the protagonist, Detective Anthony Dam; and? the others) have different qualities of voice, all either Dominici or the band collectively (those "warrior-choruses" I mentioned). The rapid fire chugging rhythms of tracks like "King Of Terror," "March Into Hell" reflect the heightened adrenaline of battle, as well as the concussion of artillery, which is to be expected. The pulsating "Hell On Earth" is a harsher piece vocally, as the antagonists take center stage; the descending rhythm to the music suggests something being worn down, melting, disintegrating ? and that matches what is happening to Earth. The gruff, grizzled vocals here make sense as it is part of the story and provides contrast to the "clean" vocals of the rest of the suite. An example of why a full album of cookie monster vocals (which these here aren't) loses its effectiveness (in my opinion at least).

This is followed by the brighter, upbeat "Genesis," upbeat, given the rising nature of the arrangement (and the opening seconds sound a bit like Christmas music, jangly?). As this concludes the story and marks a new beginning for mankind, that, too, is to be expected However, later, it chugs like the rest of the album, it too a tempest of energy, even as the overall tonal palette is lighter, airier. Until? the vocals come in, more from the "others."

The exception to the chugging metal is the balladic, plaintive "So Help Me God," which also serves as the catchiest in terms of memorable choruses (okay, the chorus of "Genesis" will also linger). It's a warmer, mellower track, providing a pause before the main action starts to happen, the twist in the story.

Whether folks who have followed the story from disc one will find the ending satisfying, I don't know. I don't know necessarily anyone will see it coming, and one does like a good twist ending. I do think that fans of prog metal will find much to enjoy as it is a solid performance, and really there's something for fans of any of the progressive metal flavors. You might be sensing a "but" coming, right? Well, no; I think because I've become too familiar with the CD now, I can't be quite as objective. I must not have hated it or out of the queue it would have gone. And I must not have loved it, or I'd have shared this review much sooner? (maybe). So, no, there's no "but," here. I do like it and find it to be a very tight and solid release.


Tracklisting:
King Of Terror (7:52) / March Into Hell (5:58) / So Help Me God (4:24) / Liquid Lightning (5:23) / Enemies Of God (10:07) / Revelation (6:57) / Hell On Earth (5:11) / Genesis (10:50)

Musicians:
Charlie Dominici - vocals
Brain Maillard - guitars
Yan Maillard - drums
Riccardo (eRik) Atzeni - bass
Americo Rigoldi - keyboards

Discography:
O3 A Trilogy - Part 1 (2005)
O3 A Trilogy - Part 2 (2007)
O3 A Trilogy - Part 3 (2009)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin VA

Added: November 24th 2010
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Artist website: www.dominici.com
Hits: 2705
Language: english

  

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