THE PURPOSE PARADOX

This progressive rock band from the Netherlands originally formed in the 90's, released one album, then disbanded, but re-formed many years later to release a new album in 2018, Random Acts of Liberation, and now they are back once again with a very strong album in The Purpose Paradox. They blend beautiful vocals and melodies with a heavier prog core. Generally open songs with somewhat mellow vocals, melodies and harmonies, which then often build to much heavier riffs, flirting with but never fully delving into prog metal (which is a good thing). Generally synth-heavy, but also with some really good guitar work, and those great vocals and catchy melodies. Sort of like mixing Toto with Dream Theater, which so happens to work very well. Best Tracks: Sanctuary, Outer Light, Not Enough Now, Thunder, Electra. Rating: 3.5

Dilemma of the diversified sound, heavy, AOR at times with very good musicians like Collin having played for Neal Morse and Flying Colors.

'Sanctuary' launches into a Frost*-style prog metal, energetic you get the idea; catchy riff, melody of Robin's synths, fresh; the break demonstrates Wudstick's undeniable contribution to the group; the rhythm is reminiscent of Enchant's, dynamic and catchy before the furious finale. 'I Am Neon' softer though, the heavy riff sweeps away any idea of ​​regressive prog rock; the clear synth new-wave pop danceable, the chiseled air, the epic finale with a didgeridoo vocal. 'Electra' raw bluesy riff on the edge, roaring bass, dark from Kristoffer, chiseled synth and unusual pad from Collin in blast beat for the progressive variation cheerful, colorful and pleasant. The nervous prog metal finale, enjoyable. 'Thunder' for the piano arpeggio ballad; musical softness with the velvety keyboard then by pad interposed on the thunderous guitar solo. A catchy melancholic radio edit with Wudstik at ease in this style. 'Allies' with Derek as a guest for the swirling, singular and danceable prog synth track. The groovy sound swells, already seen but well composed.

'Not Enough Now' to check that the sound is good, listen and you will understand; a syncopated sound, repeated for the nervous synthetic pop prog track with the bluesy break oozing on yet another divine solo by Paul and the AOR finale. 'Glow' drives the musical nail home on the keyboard effect for the track reminiscent of Enchant; funky prog pop à la ELO which stands out from the beginning of the album. 'Cities' is an electro-soft sound, an unstoppable melody with Churchill-style phrasing and its orchestral variation, followed by an expressive solo by Crezee. The FM pop rock sound that lingers with the Zeppelinian air and the ambient S-F finale. 'Outer Light' for 'the piece' diving back into the heavy prog atmosphere, Threshold for the riff, Dream Theater for the progression, Frost* again with the place given to the rhythm. Wudstick's calibrated voice recalls For All we Know. Robin shows the extent of his languorous keyboards, we could eat it. A modern sound that I no longer find in Neal Morse; a bewitched spatial break after the funky metal groove to unscrew your head with the suave voice; another jazzy break and the solo of Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy adding to the variety; Paul's brings back to prog metal before the aerial, cinematic finale that will make me boost the note.

Dilemma makes modern, evolving prog rock. A concept album based on the story of a Neon man undertaking a spiritual journey. Powerful, playful, diverse. Originally on Progcensor.(4.75).