Aptly Named Band Provides Sublime Multi-Layered Musical Expe
Just Bill | Grand Rapids, MI United States | 01/04/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the opening track ("Tree of Conscience"), Ego from Dimension weaves a magical spell over its listeners, drawing them in and taking them on a musical journey unlike any other.
This is a remarkable album, full of all the things I love about progressive metal: soaring vocals, big guitar riffs, blazing solos, beautiful melodies, ferocious drumming, compelling harmonies, intelligent lyrics, and intricate arrangements.
Prog metal has become fashionable these days, thanks in part to such bands as Dream Theater, Symphony X, and a host of others from all points of the globe. However, with abundance often comes sameness, even mediocrity.
Not in the case of Dimension (and, frankly, not with any band on the superlative Nightmare Records label). Ego sounds as fresh and vibrant as if it were the first band to appear in this invigorating genre.
The crunchy riffs remind me of Jag Panzer (another band that, like Dimension, hails from Colorado). The arrangements are as grandiose as any one would find on a Kamelot album, although Dimension's are more intricate. Actually, I hear a bit of Nevermore in Ego, too, mostly in the guitar tone in "Broken Heart." But whereas a Nevermore song would continue with the same pace and tone, Dimension varies its songs, alternating between crunchy riffs and gentle, flowing passages as alluring as a whisper.
I love the catchy opening riff to "Life." It's an air-guitarist's dream come true. The entire song is filled with killer guitar soloing, crisp drumming, and enough twists and turns to keep any prog-metal fan happy.
As good as Ego's nine songs are, the magnum opus is the nearly 20-minute "Ego," an epic tour-de-force (in three parts) of blistering solos, passionate vocals, double-kick drumming, and cool lyrics.
For a second album (their first was Universal, released in 2002), Ego shows an astounding depth of skill, not to mention keen lyrical insights into the human condition. I can't wait to see what these guys do in the years to come.
I highly recommend Ego.
"
Another Great Album From Nightmare Records
Jeremy D. Richards | Morton, IL | 11/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album starts out with some interesting vocal lines and from that moment on my interest was sparked. The whole album has some great vocals. The music is like a mix of dream theater and seven dusty. This may sound weird in text, but these guys pull it off well.
I highly recommend you pick this one up."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1