Rough Edge: Dali's Dilemma CD Reviews

DALI'S DILEMMA

"Manifesto for Futurism" (Magna Carta; 1999)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Check the issue date (1999), listen to the music, present and salute! Fans of Dream Theater and the like probably missed this release because by then DT had four albums out and this one time project with members Matt Guillory, Matthew Bradley, Patrick Reyes, Steve Reyes and a recognizable Jeremy Colson on drums, got lost in the shuffle. Dali's Dilemma are progressive metal, and if you didn't know who they were you would think they were Dream Theater. I know it must be tough for any progressive metal band to come out without somebody dropping the DT moniker next to them but...

This disc is incredible because it sounds like it could have been released today and they would definitely be applauded. The guitar is top notch, the bass, awesome, and the vocals, clean and comforting. The drums are just as incredible. I'll admit, I didn't know about them until I stumbled across this disc, now I'm passing the info on to you, the reader, and hopefully the listener. These guys hailed (past tense, since they only made one disc) from San Jose, CA. This is surely one disc that I missed but now I've a new album to groove. The other really cool thing about Dali's Dilemma is that you get a lot of music and all of their influences -- Rainbow, Yngwie Mamsteen and Deep Purple -- wrapped into one disc. I would bet that this release would stand against any DT release.

Dali's Dilemmma: Matt Guillory, keyboards; Matthew Bradley, vocals; Patrick Reyes, guitar; Steve Reyes, bass; Jeremy Colson, drums.

"Manifesto for Futurism" (Magna Carta; 1999)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Dali's Dilemma's debut "Manifesto For Futurism" is a tour de force. It's hard to believe that this is the first recording for most of the band members (only keyboardist Matt Guillory has extensive recording experience).

"Manifesto For Futurism" is progressive rock (read: the '70s prog-rock era) with a bit of progressive metal (read: modern day heroes Fates Warning and Queensryche) thrown in for good measure. A remarkable balance is struck between the four instruments and voice; this allows Dali's Dilemma the freedom to explore their musical whims. At no time does the listener feel overwhelmed by any one player's technical accomplishments; however, that doesn't stop Dali's Dilemma from shredding at appropriate moments.

"Living In Fear" is probably my favorite track on the disc; it has an "Awake"-era Dream Theater sound and feel to it. "Despite The Waves" is a track with undeniable energy and lyricism. The invigorating "Miracles In Yesteryear" is awash in prog-metal glory.

A couple of instrumentals ("Whispers" and "Andromeda Sunrise") are quite good, but both disrupt the flow of the disc. "This Time Around" was a bit too pop for my tastes.

All the band members contribute lyrics and this leads to a variety of lyrical approaches and gives the disc a broad base of topics to cover. Matthew Bradley proves to be a competent vocalist as he is able to stretch his voice over a range of emotions to fit the songs. An obvious reference can be made to Dream Theater's James LaBrie, but I was surprised to hear inflections similar to U2's Bono especially on the track "Hills Of Memory."

Although not an awesome disc, you will be impressed by "Manifesto For Futurism" and its ability to use melody and variety to make for a complete package. "Manifesto For Futurism" is a great first step for this talented group. The band needs to continue to develop a signature style and shake their influences from their collective mind to find their own voice. Dali's Dilemma rates high on the scale of bands with unlimited potential and I have great hopes for Dali's Dilemma to be a force in the progressive scene for years to come.

"Manifesto For Futurism" was produced by Matt Guillory, Pat Reyes, and Mike Varney (Varney has launched the careers of Vinnie Moore, WASP, and Marty Friedman). The legendary James Murphy (Testament) recorded the guitars, bass, and keyboards. Mooka Rennick handled the mixing chores; Rennick has worked with Ritchie Kotzen and Phil Moog. The production is solid, but could have used a little more refinement in the clarity of the mix.

Dali's Dilemma is Matt Guillory on keyboards, Matthew Bradley on vocals, Patrick Reyes on guitar, Steve Reyes on bass, and Jeremy Colson on drums.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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