Ruination

Another fine example from the Virgil master!

First I'll give it five stars since it's all about the music, the mix and the sound quality; but I feel a little disappointed about the physical copy.The idea of having a CD in these times is for collecting purposes and having a tangible backup. This copy arrived with no booklet which I believe is very important having four non instrumental songs with interesting lyrics.The most annoying issue is that the box is almost a cardboard envelope and the opening for the actual disc is on the right side and not in the left covered by the face, so there's a big risk of dropping the disc when handling the whole envelope. When compared to "In this life" copy, it is very noticeable the decrease on quality, it's a shame having a great production work and top notch musicians but very poor quality.Bottom line: If you don't care about bells and whistles just get it, it's an amazing musical experience but I would recommend getting on streaming services since is more practical than actual CD

If you liked Planet X or Virgil's other solo records you will love this one. The musicianship is as amazing as always but the writing... oh my. I've never found any one else who writes such technically challenging music that is also dripping with emotion and heart. And he just keeps getting better at this. Highest recommendation.

TLDR; Overall I'd recommend it.---So I first heard Virgil on Youtube, listening to Pyramids on Mars (shout out to The Art of Drumming HQ for introducing me) and Native Metal, pretty much the only songs you can find besides his live performances or Planet X. I'd liken it somewhat to the technicality of Matt Garstka on Madness of Many, albiet much less funky or soulful. As well Virgil seems to have more rock flair in his playing. I grew up hearing a lot of Jazz even if not listening closely, and I feel some of these elements are prevalent in Virgil's drumming style - syncopation, progression, and technical if not unpredictable grooves and breakdowns.Irwin Thomas does a great job too in my opinion, I'm a fan of that clean sounding kind of voice with fairly good pitch and range, tho this is my first time hearing his vocals. Vaguely reminds me of the singing from the artist/album Emergence, and Paul Dickinson's performance on Edward the Great from Iron Maiden but with less operatic tendencies.Keyboard's not bad either, has a bit of a mathy feel to it at times, vaguely reminding me of Louis de Mieulle on Defense Mechanisms and Dual. Seems to feature a of number of keyboardists, would like to see what they do next.The guitars don't do a lot for me on this album, but they are serviceable. Also the tone and timbre are pretty platitudinous - don't expect anything exciting here, just clean and distinguishable. Pretty much no electronic production elements or found sounds either as far as I can tell.

Another killer release by Virgil Donati!The drumming of course is out of this world as always the sound is amazing as well.As the previous reviewer already mentioned this isn't standard type of music it's eclectic,complex fusion of a higher class executed with stunning virtuosity by some amazingly talented musicians.A modern day masterpiece!

Some of the most amazing drumming I’ve heard. Great songs, incredible guitar playing and a devastating production from Michael Brauer. Must own!

Great album as usual from the Thunder from Downunder. Virgil has never disssapointed and this is no exception.

"In these times, such troubled times...I am silent" (from the song: The last night that i lived).... Words Obviously released before the events of 2020 but it proves meaningful. The musicianship is as expected at the highest level of human ability. However, the depth of intelligent stylistic integration is what makes this album truly special. Ruination could easily be the soundtrack for our world today.This type of music is not for everyone to digest, but for those who has ears to hear...it is manna from heaven.

Parmi tous ses albums, c'est mon préféré car il a su joindre le chant à ses compositions complexes et arythmiques. Virgil est comme Frank ZAPPA qui brouille les codes car certains diront que ce n'est pas facile d'accès avec tous ces rythmes complexes... Et il y en a. Néanmoins, tout l'album est magnifique. Un bon cru et une excellente cuvée. Bravo Virgil !!!

Donati. Great. Heavy Sound. Progressiv, Fusion, jazzrock. Vertragtes drumming. Er hätte mal bei Dream Theater spielen sollen. Dann wären die Herren bestimmt anders gefordert worden. Egal. Super CD Donati halt. Auf vier Stücken singt ein gewisser Irwin Thomas, mir bis dato nicht bekannt, hat aber eine sehr tolle Stimme. Die sehr gut in das Gesamtbild sich einfindet. Erinnert mich an den Gesang von Flying Colours mit Portnoy. Also alle Freunde des Meisters und die, die es werden wollen, volle Punktzahl. Kaufen, Sofort. In diesem Sinne.

Virgil Donati is a drummer I had been blissfully ignorant about until a friend invited me to a live show during his recent tour, which included Australia.This album represents most of what we enjoyed that night and was a 'must have' after the experience.The set was delivered with a small band (two guitarists, bass, keys and of course Donati on drums). To call him dynamic would in no way cover the performance.The album presents a heavy kind of progressive jazz/rock style I had not previously heard and I would certainly recommend it to the adventurous progressive rock fan.

Virgil Donati ist ein unglaublicher Musiker!!!

Superb album! Initially after discovering this album on Spotify and many listens l decided to buy a physical copy. A great fusion of styles and amazing musicianship...highly recommended for lovers of fusion, prog and metal.