(progressive metal) Dimension - Universal - 2002, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The history of Dimension goes back as far as 1990 when four Mexican musicians first got together under the name Perturbator. However the band desired International success and a decision was made to firstly sing in English and then to change the band name. So now it is 2002 and we arrive at the band's first release under the Dimension moniker.

The disk opens with Strategy a lengthy tracks which impresses immediately in many ways. Here we see many of the elements of the band's style which recur throughout the disk, as the band switches between moments of metallic heaviness containing some powerful riffing before either keyboards or guitar tear off on their own playing impressive runs and scales which sometimes compete, sometimes complement each other. When not impressing with their virtuosity, the band comes together as a solid unit producing nice melodies over which the voice of David Quicho generally lacks authority.

The following track Sailor is slower and less showy, though the guitar playing in parts indicates the influence of Yngwie J. Malmsteen and while Forbidden Game is around the same length, it is by turns much heavier and more avant-guard. Universal Mind is perhaps the standout track and the keyboard and guitar playing is of very high quality during some of the long instrumental passages found here. The music is not devoid of obvious influences either, but this time it is the keyboards of Eddie del Palacio which one moment recall early Genesis and then later on, the runs of ex-Dream Theater man, Derek Sherinian. David Quicho also impresses with some ripping solos and some nice jazzy touches.

A lovely and strangely familiar sounding piano melody introduces the mellower Waiting yet once again, one feels that the tune is somewhat let down by the vocals which lack power and are strangely child-like in tone. Vanity Calls sees the heaviness return but once again the vocals, which appear to be processed at times, detract from the overall effect. The final 3 tracks follow a more conventional Prog-Metal style and contain fewer impressive instrumental passages. The heavy chugging guitar riffs are there, the fluid keyboard runs are present and the rhythm section remains solid and unfussy.

In trying to sum up this disk, I find myself likening it to the Swedish band Andromeda and their 2001 release Extension Of The Wish in that the band are very obviously competent musicians who have managed to create a very good progressive metal disk and one which has a certain freshness to it. One might also be tempted to liken them to Ark from the point of view of the jazzy influences and the strong playing, but unfortunately it is the poor vocals, which undermine this effort. The band's influences are clear and they haven't quite arrived at the point where the sound is completely their own, but the signs are good and I feel sure that with time, a slightly better production and more than anything, a good vocalist, these guys could well unleash a disk that is much better than this fine debut and one which really will put Mexican Prog-Metal on the map.
(from http://www.dprp.net)

David Quicho - vocals and guitars
Eddie del Palacio - keyboards
Aaron del Palacio - bass
Mane Cabrales - drums and percussion