Modern progressive rock band Dilemma

About Dilemma

Modern progressive rock band Dilemma

About Dilemma

At the end of this summer, on September 20, modern progressive rock band DILEMMA presents its third full length album, ‘The Purpose Paradox’. This concept album, spanning over 60 minutes, will be released on CD, double LP and via all streaming platforms, and distributed internationally by Butler Records, a division of V2 Records.

It features 9 brand new tracks ranging in length from 4 to nearly 16 minutes. The sound showcases a broader side of DILEMMA — louder, faster, more technical, more progressive. With new frontman Jermain van der Bogt (Wudstik), the vocals have become rawer and more varied. Almost six years after the previous record ‘Random Acts of Liberation’ the band sounds reborn.

Like its predecessor, ‘The Purpose Paradox’ was produced by drummer Collin Leijenaar, who, together with the famed music wizard Rich Mouser (The Mouse House, LA), was also responsible for the mix and mastering. Thanks to their unmatched ears, the result is an audio experience that DILEMMA has worked on with great pride over the past years.

Dilemma live

Where it all started

The band has been around since the end of the last century. After their successful debut ‘Imbroccata’ in 1996 (which was released by SI Music/Roadrunner Records, received excellent reviews and became a progressive cult classic, especially in Japan) the band fell quiet for quite a few years. 

But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. So, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, DILEMMA decided to make a notable comeback in 2018 with the release of their follow- up album, ‘Random Acts of Liberation’. This album was also met with critical acclaim and was enthusiastically welcomed by fellow progressive rock musicians such as Neal Morse, Arjen Lucassen, and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). Dutch progressive rock magazine iO Pages even named ‘Random Acts Of Liberation’ album of the year.

Mike Portnoy personally invited the band to support two of his side projects on their European tours: the supergroups Sons Of Apollo and Flying Colors, featuring even more unparalleled musicians such as Steve Morse (Kansas, Dixie Dregs), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), and Derek Sherinian (KISS, Dream Theater, Whom Gods Destroy).

Modern progressive rock band Dilemma

Guest appearances

After getting to know Sherinian during the Sons Of Apollo tour, DILEMMA asked this king of keyboards to contribute to ‘The Purpose Paradox’. The result is a lightning-fast solo in the track ‘Allies’, supported by his roaring Hammond B3. The album also features another guest appearance worth mentioning: in the more than 15 minutes long epic ‘Outer Light’, Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy) delivers a dazzling guitar solo as only he can.

But of course, the main performing roles are reserved for the regular band members. The album was written and recorded with the following lineup:

  • Wudstik – vocals
  • Paul Crezee – guitars
  • Kristoffer Gildenlöw – bass
  • Collin Leijenaar – drums
  • Robin Z – keyboards

The band began writing new music while former singer Dec Burke was still a member. Burke played a significant role in creating several songs, despite working remotely from the UK while the rest of the band was in the Netherlands. Due to this physical distance and other musical commitments, DILEMMA and Burke eventually decided to part ways.

Dilemma leadsinger Wudstik

Meet Wudstik

The new vocalist became Jermain van der Bogt (Wudstik), who had succesfully replaced Dec Burke already during a European tour. Wudstik is also the singer of the bands

For All We Know (together with Ruud Jolie, guitarist of Within Temptation) and the world- class Dream Theater tribute band Regressive Hypnosis.

Furthermore, he contributed various vocal parts to Arjen Lucassen’s Ayreon projects. In April 2023, Wudstik was officially introduced as a new band member when DILEMMA succesfully performed as a support act for the world-famous prog act Marillion.

Dilemma 2023

Ready to rock

With the release of ‘The Purpose Paradox’, the band is eager to surprise the world of progressive rock, pop and metal once again. The first shows to promote this new concept album are already scheduled at De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, and AFAS Live, Amsterdam (after-show Dream Theater). And let’s be honest, it’s about time. As the band eloquently states in their new song ‘Thunder’: We’re digging in the land of our fantasy, living off the fat of our memory, until we leave again.

So bring on those shows, DILEMMA is ready to rock!

Music

Dilemma - the Purpose Paradox
Dilemma
Dilemma - Imbroccata

What other artists say about ‘Random Acts Of Liberation’

These slides will be slide-able on the live version of your page!
Damn!! Yet another great new prog release. The new album by Dilemma is some very tasty "modern Prog" ala new Spock's, Frost, Flying Colors, Steven Wilson and Haken.


Awesome drumming by Collin Leijenaar and loving the melodic edge Dec Burke brings to the band! And as always an immaculate mix by Rich Mouser. 


One of the top-10 best music albums of 2018!

Mike Portnoy (Sons Of Apollo/Neal Morse Band/Flying Colors/ex-Dream Theater)

Mike Portnoy
Ms. Nameless
Add Your Stars
I listened to the album during my jog time. Wow… it’s really great, the first song immediately gave me wings, I instantly ran faster. Good guitar riffs, very special. I also think Dec Burke sounds really nice.


The music is a mixture of prog and pop and is well written, played and recorded. I must say that Collin’s drums sound super, and also played very well! The whole production and mix is great, very transparent. 

Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon/Star One/The Gentle Storm/Vengeance)

Arjen Lucassen
Ms. Nameless
Add Your Stars
Dilemma's new one is the freshest prog I've heard this year. Brimming with hooks, virtuoso prog and great songs.


A must for fans of Neal Morse, Flying Colors and Spock's Beard.

Bill Evans (Executive Producer/Manager, Flying Colors)

Bill Evans
Ms. Nameless
Add Your Stars
Really enjoying listening to "Random Acts of Liberation', the new album from Dilemma. Superb musicianship from the whole band and the album is brimming with an infectious energy, creative ideas and compelling soundscapes. All topped with a great, punchy and well defined mix.


Definitely a 'must listen to' for fans of modern prog. Really great, especially to hear Collin Leijenaar's explosive and imaginative drumming in full flight. 

Dave Bainbridge (Iona/Strawbs/Lifesigns/Celestial Fire, producer, composer)

Dave Bainbridge
Ms. Nameless
Add Your Stars