Odd Dimension - Symmetrical Review
by Matt Hensch
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As a progressive metal band trying to gain mass in Italy where the sound seems to be the climaxing cash crop, Odd Dimension comes out of nowhere and unleashes "Symmetrical" like it's an atomic bomb filled with stardust and the Aurora Borealis. These guys are at the top of the ladder; they're easily one of the most exciting and promising metal bands currently on the rise. "Symmetrical" is chock-full of progressive metal cooked over a pristine glaze of phenomenal instrumentation with some of the most intricate ideas one could ever find in progressive music. Hell, I'm willing to say "Symmetrical" might be one of the best debuts this sub-genre has ever seen.
Odd Dimension's sound reminds me of old-school prog that thrived in the early 1990s when Dream Theater or Fates Warning were in control, mainly because their style follows the same characteristics, although "Symmetrical" shows traces of a very unique band despite its genetic predisposition. Odd Dimension takes bizarre riffs spiced in grooving metal and asphyxiates the listener in unconventional time-signatures, virtuosic guitar work, prominent melodies, and splicing heaviness. The qualities they enlist per track are limited, yet Odd Dimension execute each in an intelligent and filling manner loaded with the riffs, leads, and hooks to keep any prog-nut drooling. Manuel Candiotto plays a pivotal role in the album's direction as well, displaying an ambidextrous voice that ties together the piping keyboards with the jamming rock influence wonderfully. The atmosphere they create is simply surreal, not to mention the technical instrumentality never withers unlike Spastic Ink knock-offs that shred for the sake of shredding. These guys can use forsaken algorithms for the sake of doing so, yet still obtain a sense of melody and catchiness; that's not something that comes every sunrise.
It may not sound very dynamic or original, but Odd Dimension has cracked a hidden energy of excellence and heart that glides into "Symmetrical" with an uncharted amount of strength; it really needs to be heard to be believed. The album opens with "Farewell to the Stars," a classic prog-metal meal showcasing odd time-signatures, snazzy keyboards, technical bass work, and explosive vocals. The band begins to incorporate soft interludes during "The Day Meets the Night" while holding on to their signature traits, but at the same time it's clear they're just having a great time rocking out with sci-fi keyboards and jamming grooves throughout "I'll Be Back Once More," another amazing tune layered in so many memorable moments I don't think I can list them all. Progressive metal doesn't get any better than something like the emotional soloing and Yes-influenced keyboards that whip through "Light Speed Journey" among the soaring riffs and high-flying vocals that bring the stars into the listener's headphones.
It's amazing how Odd Dimension's style can appeal to the lighter side of musicality, yet somehow they turn the formula into a vibrant shell of radiance that shines beyond the spectrum of color and ignites a new frontier in progressive music. Whether or not this record will get the appreciation it deserves will come in time, but its outcome will never tarnish Odd Dimension's uprising into becoming one of the best progressive metal bands in Italy, and quite possibly the world. Odd Dimension is speeding through the galaxy faster than light can comprehend, so you better grab on now or you'll miss this shooting star that one day might become a supernova.
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Odd Dimension - Symmetrical Rating:9.5
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