Charlie Dominici - O3 A Trilogy: Part 1

Long before Charlie Dominici became a trooper within the potent Progressive Metal sect of the InsideOut alliance, he had an incredible vision. Predating the formulation of an official band, this material begged to be formed, shaped, and fashioned. So, he took hold of his acoustic and just like that, he had at it. This resulted in Part One of a tremendously-profound geo-political sci-fi thriller-trilogy.

Eventually, he discovered an immaculate set of talented Italian musicians who were in need of a serious singer. From there, he and his crew developed Part Two with all the bells and whistles accompanied by all the plugged-in instruments. Like Tuscan White Bean, this classic European pairing of roasted tomatoes and ripened legumes provides important antioxidants like lycopene and the missing fiber.

Looking back, there are only limited copies of Part One in circulation. Actually, he’s sold half of a lot that totals a mere 5,000. As he says, once they’re gone, they’re gone, and it’ll truly be a collector’s item. Not to mention, his wife is an awfully-staunch businesswomen who says no more promos for anyone, regardless of their relationship to him, or this will lead to famine. To get one, you’ll need timing on your side, and simply put, it’s a cold equation, because you’ll have no choice but to buy it.

Luckily, I got my hands on a copy while it was still piping hot, and it’s not at all what I expected. I thought this would be closer to a demo or at best a suite of unfinished baked goods. Instead, it’s quite colorful, compelling, and possibly even earth-shattering. Aside from Nick Barrett of Pendragon; I couldn’t imagine a solitary man and a lone guitar capable of producing such lush and introspective music.

While Part Two might be enhanced with electric wizardry, Part One could still be considered by a scientist such as Tesla to be mystical circuitry or the demonstration of a supernatural device. While the raw material is awesome, the application, the infrastructure, and without a doubt the singing, believe it or not, are just as impressive.

Likewise, the escalator between the floors takes us up another progressive level, so after you take it down a flight, take the soon-to-be-constructed elevator up to the apex. One can only wonder where he’ll take us next, and what he does differently in the imminent conclusion planned for Part Three.

Regardless, it is really the conceptual mutton that’s the most intriguing part of the parcel, and truthfully, the nub provides more than a nibble. In other words, the debut provides an interesting and essential back-story that makes the entire chronicle all the worthwhile.

Could you imagine Empire Strikes Back without A New Hope? Speaking of which, Part Two has a track by the same name in it, and if you become a fan and let this prospect slip, you’ll be constantly reminded of this lost opportunity well into the impending future.

Don’t even think twice. Get your copy today. Even if you could burn a copy or download a sample, there is potential history here to own by possessing the genuine article. You’d also be directly supporting one of the few forefathers of the Progressive Metal genre who is still in operation. Let’s not forget, he took a hiatus for many years, so we want him to know that he’s wanted. Maybe if this sells like hotcakes overnight, it will send him the message that his voice is greatly needed. Thus, the collective signal would urge him to continue in the universal struggle for better music.

Typically critics get free passes and on occasion, early pre-screenings. To let you know, I had to purchase my copy, and once I knew of its availability, I got online with the program and remitted payment quickly. If that’s not enough, I even took a break from vacation to make it happen. Take it from someone who knows. Your decision at this time is crucial.

He’s accepting orders now, so hurry. It’s only available while supplies last, and chances are that once you’ve read this review, his stockpiles will be on the verge of being wiped clean. As Harry Caray used to say, “Going! Going! Gone!”

8.75/10


Here are the instructions I used in order to get a copy:

O3, A Trilogy- Part One, Purchase Instructions:

To purchase an autographed copy and have it shipped overseas:

Send $19 USD to PayPal account ($15 for CD and shipping-$3 for overseas additional shipping and $1 for PayPal handling charges)

For USA:

Send only $16 ($15 for CD and $1 for PayPal handling)

PayPal Account is as follows: monikadominici@yahoo.com

As an alternative, send $15 (USA) or $18 (overseas) money order or well-hidden cash (USD) in envelope to the following address:

Dominici Inc.
8436 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91941
U.S.A.


On Monday, March 19, 2007 Charlie communicated the following to me:

Yea, when you do the review, just let the people know the offer for an autographed part one CD is going to end when I move out of California over to Europe at the end of April, 2007.

I will need to find someone who wants to buy the remaining CDs out at a wholesale price after then.

Thanks!

Charlie Dominici
Dominici Inc.
http://www.dominici.com/

Dominici - O3 A Trilogy: Part 2

It truly sounds as if this material was influenced by the following bands: Fates Warning, Dream Theater, and Queensryche.

As I listen to this album, I would venture a guess that Jim Matheos, Derek Sherinian, John Petrucci, and/or Geoff Tate were in on this project. On occasion, you would even think this was another initiative from the Office of Strategic Influence (aka OSI). The greatest difference between these littermates is that this puppy features some very fine vocals. Not that Kevin Moore’s vocoder is unappreciated. It’s just that this singer’s pipes are clean and his plumbing boasts a lot a lot of extra pressure.

Take a quick glance at the paternity records and you might be stupefied by this breed. Have you ever heard of Riccardo eRik Atzeni (Bass), Americo Rigoldi (Keyboards), or Brian (Guitars) or Yan Maillard (Drums)?

Nevertheless, this is a new contender that borrows from the cream-of-the-crop. Upon inspection, they can hold their own in the ring. In addition, the number one groomsman and best man was actually in on an earlier version of the aforesaid. That would be none other than Charlie Dominici who sang on Dream Theater’s “When Day and Dream Unite”. He also operated as the singer at Mike Portnoy’s wedding. No, seriously! While the debut is relatively well-known to fans, you’ll be dumbfounded to find out that the second entry in this journal is also a statement of fact (at least if my sources are reliable).

On the whole, the album is comparable to Scenes from a Memory and Operation: Mindcrime. Maybe these Athenians have established a new empire as this exceptional album ascends to the halfway point of the pyramid. The only thing to consider is that while this is the second step, the anterior pressing is more difficult to secure. Part One is on all-acoustic one-man-show set ashore on a desolate label incorporated by Dominici himself. Part Two, on the other hand, comes from the ever-growing continent of InsideOut Music America. For most, the prelude will be missed while the sequel will become the principal point of departure.

I have to tell you, this is powerful and formidable stuff. Dominici’s voice harnesses the impetuous vibe of Russell Allen or John Arch. As a result, he is judge, jury, and executioner in this journey. His voice is so strong, once could say he’s been reborn as The Punisher. It’s so sleek; it may also be seen as a sign of the fantastical rise of The Silver Surfer.

While I haven’t heard of his partners, these strident riders are as arduous as The Four Horseman. The bass and guitars crunch like bubble-wrap. The keyboards, conversely, cut through the steel like butter. Everyone, even the drummer, has their own ignitable solos. They keep you on alert throughout the entire hayride.

Likewise, there isn’t a weak chink in this chain-mail. Upon every listen, there is a different riff or verse that gets me. After it’s undergone a rigid stress-test, it’s hard to say which link holds up the longest. They’ve come through the trauma without much conciliation. I also like the storyline, the soundbytes, and the methodically epigrammatic dialogue. It might be hard to interpret, but no time does it mark a momentary lapse of reason. It’s obvious every detail is deliberate even if it’s not intuitive. This kind of reminds me of that sci-fi horror movie Night Watch, but to be fair, this is significantly more coherent.

So that you don’t walk away without a schematic, key, or a clue, let’s quickly flip through the scenery:

“Nowhere to Hide” is a fugitive’s worst nightmare. Dominici’s voice is underground and in the trees. Literally, it’s everywhere.

“Captured” is bottled up like a shaken can of Coke. It’s tentative, reserved, and ready to burst at any time.

In “Greed the Evil Seed”, Marc Antony will try to feed the kitty. Between Gossamer, a Were-Rabbit, and the super-sized Mr. Mouse, this hare-raising tune is looney.

“School of Pain” is pretty mean and potent. With enough room to run, it gives each escapee a chance to flee.

“The Calling” and “The Real Life” are fundamentally sound, but by no means routine. For this feast, they provide Tofurky, a soy-based gravy and grits.

“The Monster” and “The Cop” are highly listenable as well, and with certainty, they’re the most integral part of the report. This duo goes together like Sonny and Cher, and if forced to choose, these would be the only pair trusted with the clandestine plan to go AWOL.

At the end, “A New Hope” happily succeeds the lowest of low notes just like the celebrated intergalactic space odyssey and soap opera.

After several sittings, it’s obvious the concept is about a baddie and the law enforcement agent who tries to bring him to justice. At times, you can feel the plight of the captive, his victims, and our champion. Fortunately, there is nothing to fear. With Dominici assigned to be the guardian at the gate, the future of the Progressive Metal society is safe.

8.5/10