DILEMMA - RANDOM ACTS OF LIBERATION

Who would have thought, the last time we talked 
We’d be standing right here today...

It’s this phrase from their new epic song The Inner Darkness that probably best describes the remarkable comeback of Dutch progressive rockband Dilemma. Since their last gig in april 2012 they kind of disappeared from the public eye, but only to write the best new material they could come up with for their massive upcoming album Random Acts of Liberation.

This extensive piece of work, featuring British vocalist Dec Burke (Frost*, Audioplastik, Darwin’s Radio), was produced by drummer Collin Leijenaar and mixed by audio genius Rich Mouser at The Mouse House studio in Altadena, LA.

Apart from drumming in Dilemma, Collin Leijenaar is also well known for his solid drum contributions to albums and live shows by acts like Neal Morse, Kayak, Dave Bainbridge and Affector. The Dilemma line-up is completed by founder Robin Z (keyboards), guitarist Paul Crezee, bass player Erik van der Vlis and the aforementioned Dec Burke (vocals, guitars).

So here we are, the start of our new destiny 
A picture of the world that yet awaits...

As said, Dilemma is no stranger to progressive rock’s landscape. Singer Butler and keyboard player Robin Z formed the band in the mid 1990s. After writing a large body of work, the EP ‘Trapped’ came out in 1993 and featured three very diverse tracks. The quality of these songs and Dilemma’s distinctive sound quickly led to a recording contract with SI Music/Roadrunner Records.

Following the worldwide release of their debut CD Imbroccata in 1996 (an album that received enthousiastic reviews and sold very well, especially in Japan) the band played at famous Dutch venues like 013, De Boerderij, Baroeg, Ijsbreker and Nieuwe Pul. Dilemma also toured with Swedish neoclassical metal band Narnia. Their last gig dates from 2012, when they appeared on stage with quite a memorable show during the iO Pages Festival in Zoetermeer, The Netherlands.

One year later, frontman Danny Butler and the rest of the group parted ways. This decision led to an even more progressive and diversified sounding band, and to new material that really comes from the heart of its remaining members.

The more we change, the more we stay the same 
The more we die, the more we stay alive...

In 2015 new vocalist Dec Burke joined Dilemma. Together they kept working on the new songs and recorded most of the vocals in the well-known Down Under studio’s in Hilversum. Bit by bit the outlines of Random Acts of Liberation (RAOL) became clear. All pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

Now that the mixes and mastering are finished, we’re proud as a monkey with seven dicks to share the results with you. RAOL contains 14 various tracks, varying in length from 3 to over 12 minutes. It’s packed with surprising time signatures, enchanting guitar solo’s and pleasant melodies. 

Total running time of the album: 72 minutes!

A few of the highlights that we’d like to mention here are energetic opener Amsterdam (This City), that talks about remembering things you once chose to forget. Aether, an atmospheric, melodic track about wandering souls. The 12 minute epic The Inner Darkness (a work of fiction, though inspired by actual events). Pseudocomaphobia, a metalesque rocksong on the fear of losing touch in relationships. And last but not least the progrock anthems Play With Sand, (a haunting horror story that really took place), Openly and Prodigal Son that capture the signature Dilemma sound like never before.

Dilemma is following

Dilemma is not following anyone.