Home » Jazz Musicians » Deus ex Machina

Deus ex Machina

Deus ex Machina were formed in 1985 in Bologna (Italy); thus far, D.E.M. have released seven albums, and have also appeared on four compilations with other artists.

The artistic development of the group began with the realization of a rock-opera. It was based on an original story, inspired from a sense of the enduring struggle between Man and Nature. The opera received critical acclaim when it was performed; the critics described it as "unusual", "powerful" and "extremely elaborate". In fact, the above praise is that which has been most commonly ascribed to their music. This, coupled with their particular musical expertise and compositional skill, has led them to be described as stylistically uncategorisable, whilst maintaining the distinctive sounds of classic rock. Finally, the Latin lyrics originate from the need to reconcile the melodious nature of Italian (which is difficult to transpose into rock), and the immediacy and fluency of English. Latin presented itself as the ideal solution.

In 1991, D.E.M. and Kaliphonia agreed to record and release the rock-opera GLADIUM CAELI. The album maintains the integrity of a live recording, but was recorded in only two days in a studio. As a result of its being rendered in such a short time, certain technical flaws are evident, which have nonetheless added a spontaneous dynamic to the recording.

The arrival of Claudio Trotta on drums, and the group's continual search for stylistic and compositional evolution, led to the recording of their second album. Biographically named DEUS EX MACHINA, it was written and recorded between September 1991 and July 1992.

This marked a musical departure from GLADIUM CAELI and, once again, was well received by critics.

D.E.M. are justly proud of their trademark ethos: a permanent state of evolution. They have played a large number of live concerts, and feel they have gained a great deal of experience from doing so. This has helped to create a stronger bond within the group.

In 1993 they began composing new material: in the summer 1994 they went into recording studio to lay down the tracks for this album; it was an exacting task and took almost two years to realize.

DE REPUBLICA, the band's third album, came out at the beginning of 1995; it marked a progression along the same track that the band had followed in their previous recordings, but with still fewer compromises. During this time, the concert activities, as well as their recordings, have placed D.E.M. in the avant garde of rock, which has gained them an international audience.

Read more

Tags

514
Album Review

Deus ex Machina: Imparis

Read "Imparis" reviewed by John Kelman


Despite being around for over 20 years with an underground fan base in the progressive rock world, it's only been since Cinque (2002), released by the intrepid Cuneiform Records, that Deus ex Machina has begun to garner broader attention. Cinque set the standard for an Italian group that combines the best of Gentle Giant's contrapuntal idiosyncrasies with a distinctive fusion jazz bent, an unmistakably Mediterranean sound and a vocal concept that may take some getting used to, but is equally ...

Read more articles

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Imparis

Cuneiform Records
2009

buy

Imparis

Cuneiform Records
2008

buy

Imparis

Cuneiform
0

buy

Il Testamento dell'Uomo Saggio

From: Imparis
By Deus ex Machina

Similar

Birdsongs of the Mesozoic
band / ensemble / orchestra
Magma
band / ensemble / orchestra
Gentle Giant
band / ensemble / orchestra

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.