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Odd Dimension: Symmetrical

Born in the Year 2001 in Alessandria, Italy is this not very Italian sounding Prog Metal band, calling themselves Odd Dimension. It has taken the band quite some time to finally reach their destination, as they are finally releasing an album this coming March, when Symmetrical finally will see the light of day.

Odd Dimension is Manuel Candiotto - Vocals ; Gianmaria Saddi - Guitars ; Gabriele Ciaccia - Keys ; Gigi Andreone - Bass ; Federico Pennazzato – Drums. This five piece band makes music in the veins of their biggest influences. Now who are the biggest influences you ask? The band name Neal Morse, Spock's Beard, Fates Warning, Threshold, Whitesnake, Camel, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden as inspirations.

Now I have listened to the album a number of times and I can understand Iron Maiden, Fates Warning and Threshold and maybe Spock's Beard if I try hard enough. First band springing to my mind has just seen their drummer/founder member leave, that's right Dream Theater.

Both compositionally and instrumentally as well as production wise the sound of Odd Dimensions is closest to the Dream boys. They use the same way of structuring their songs, though I'm sure that it was not the intention of Odd Dimension to make a Dream Theater styled album.

They have done their best to create a consistent piece of work with grandeur soloing , balladry and heavy riffing. They have no problem making a more AOR type Heavy prog song either, and I must honestly say they have surprised me. Another example of their craftsmanship is the vocals of Manuel Candiotto, there is almost no Italian accent in his voice, which is brilliant and a real asset to the band. A critical note, they must beware not to go too much in the direction of AOR music, their current efforts have what it takes, easy to sing along to and sticking in your memory but that is hard to keep up and continue without reinventing yourself.

Nevermind that.

Progmetal fans all over the world need to keep their eyes and ears opened wide not to miss the release of Symmetrical by Odd Dimension. Yet another new band has risen from the fruitfull land of Progmetal. Their debut album is a strong one it might end up in Top 10 lists of 2011.

My personal favorite of all the songs is "Light Speed Journey".


Track listing:
01 Farewell to the stars
02 Rising Through Light
03 The Ecstasy Of Hopes
04 Another Shore
05 The Day meets The Night
06 Light Speed Journey
07 I'll Be Back Once More

Added: February 27th 2011
Reviewer: Gert Hulshof
Score:
Related Link: Band MySpace Page
Hits: 3918
Language: english

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Odd Dimension: Symmetrical
Posted by Jeff B, SoT Staff Writer on 2011-02-27 11:06:25
My Score:

Italian prog metal band Odd Dimension has been around for almost a decade, but 2011 finally saw the release of their debut full-length album, Symmetrical. Odd Dimension doesn't have the most groundbreaking sound in the world, but their talent as musicians is impeccable and the songwriting department is often excellent as well. I can't consider Odd Dimension's debut to be essential, but it's surely above average and promising. If they can further expand upon the formula they've created here, I can sense an excellent sophomore album coming from this direction. Symmetrical is ultimately a good listen for all prog metal fans, even if it does little to stand out from the competition.

Symmetrical is progressive metal with nods in the direction of Fates Warning, Dream Theater, and Vanden Plas. Odd Dimension adds a few symphonic metal influences that keep them from being a complete "clone" band, though. Even though they may not be the most adventurous act out there, Odd Dimension delivers progressive metal in a top-notch fashion. Despite a few compositions that fail to capture me, the vast majority of the album is extremely enjoyable. My favorite track is probably "I'll Be Back Once More" which features some excellent vocals from Manuel Candiotto and great synth lines from Max Capra. The rest of the music is very good, albeit fairly standard, progressive metal. Odd Dimension is a professional band, and the musicianship is phenomenal throughout Symmetrical. Unfortunately, one of my biggest gripes with the album is the production, which sounds somewhat muffled and has a few technical hiccups. A better sound would've improved my overall experience significantly.

Symmetrical is a very good, sometimes even great, debut from Odd Dimension that I'd recommend fans of prog metal in the Dream Theater camp to check out. These Italian lads will have to work out a few issues if they really want to amaze me with their next album, but this is still a promising and highly enjoyable effort. Symmetrical isn't an essential release, but I've had a fun time listening to it so 3.5 stars are warranted here. I'm hopeful for the future of Odd Dimension!

Odd Dimension: Symmetrical
Posted by Simon Bray, SoT Staff Writer on 2011-02-09 14:45:36
My Score:

This is one of those releases where I was wholly unfamiliar with the band before acquiring the album and like the review above I have to say that I was somewhat blown away with Symmetrical from the very first listen. If you hanker for old school Dream Theater (and many do) this is the perfect record for you.

There are plenty of time changes and keyboard/drum interfaces allied to a noticeable AOR sensitivity in places which will help Odd Dimension to stand out from the straightforward DT clones. There are also some pomp stylings especially on the wonderful closing song "I'll be back Once More". Their album clocks in at slightly over forty-seven minutes long which gives each of the seven songs time to breath but fortunately there isn't any over the top meandering and showing off which blights so much of the progressive genre we hold dear.

Highly recommended.


» Reader Comments:

Odd Dimension: Symmetrical
Posted by Stef Bar on 2013-10-10 09:04:42
My Score:

For those who like the band "Zero Hour", listen at 4:38 in the song "Another shore", you'll recognize the Zero Hour guitar style, pretty cool!




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