(progressive metal) Dimension - Ego - 2007, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Formed in Mexico, in 1999 but now based here in the US, Dimension has had a storied existence having shared the stage with such rock luminaries as Dokken, Evergrey, Anthrax and Motley Crue. The band centers on its two key members David Quicho (guitars/vocals) and Mane Cabrales (drums/percussion) who then pull into the fold studio musicians to assist them in bringing their songs to life.

Heavy on the use of long melodies, with a flair for the symphonic and orchestral, Mexico's Dimension is back with their follow up to their 2002 release, Universal. Intricate, but laden with bombastic fiery guitar work that merge with complex classical arrangements, that come from the sounds of a violin, cello and the viola. The tracks transcend from the soft to the grandiose and are frequently done without warning, and during many of these tracks playing time one feels a state of euphoria as the music grows in intensity, and takes the listener with it.

The opening track, "Tree of Conscience" is a perfect example of this, as during the prologue one hears a quasi-chant of "Ego" which then rips into a fiery attack on your listening senses all done with an underlying solid core of heavy keyboard chords and hard hitting drums. Gradually this track builds until one is facing a wall of music. The fireworks continue with "Ancient Song" that features heavy drums with machine gun guitar riffs and deep, dark vocals. Perhaps a tad difficult to discern, but the vocals however do give a nightmarish edge.
The sound is indeed polished, refined and sophisticated. The songwriting is intense, focused, and one can hear that the songwriters poured out their time and resources in bringing to life one progressive melodic metal track after another. This is truly manifested on "Dreams," the mean, nasty and heavy guitars of "Freedom Land," the synthesizer heavy "Broken Heart," the CD highlight "Life" and the epic and truly ambitious three part "Ego."

Immersed with the sounds of Sieges Even, Riverside and Redemption, with the deep feel of Porcupine Tree, Dimension could very easily become a mainstay in the power metal circuit. This is a well done compilation of what is still a virtually unknown powerhouse in the metal scene. One hopes that the band follows up this one soon as they have once again shown the world they are indeed capable of following in the heavy footsteps of those who have tread before.

David Quicho - vocals and guitars
Mane Cabrales - drums and percussion
******
special guests:
Eddie del Palacio - keyboards
Aaron del Palacio - bass
******
Claude Sim - violin 1
Dave Waldman - violin 2
Catherine Beeson - viola
Evan Orman - cello
David Hanson - quartet transcription