The first review for The Purpose Paradox is in!
This is what the Dutch progressive rock magazine iO Pages says about The Purpose Paradox:
Wow. Dutch top prog is not dead: Dilemma is the living proof. I’m speechless; the band surpasses itself with this third album. The Purpose Paradox is a fresh concept album centered around Neon, the protagonist who embarks on an adventure, much like Rael from The Lamb (Genesis), to discover what brings him fulfillment in life. It’s no surprise that there are autobiographical elements from the writer and keyboardist Robin Z. He plays a crucial role in the compositions, and there are plenty of synthesizer riffs that harken back to the early albums of Marillion (such as in the explosive opener Sanctuary). At the same time, he’s not shy about using modern keyboard sounds (IQ, Vola), which are instrumental in setting the atmosphere. Dilemma’s greatest strength is that the band manages to create adventurous prog rock while never forgetting the importance of strong compositions and incredibly catchy melodies. These qualities shine through more than ever now that Jermain ‘Wudstik’ van der Bogt, also known from For All We Know, Ayreon, and Regressive Hypnosis (a Dream Theater tribute band), has become the vocalist. What a voice! It shines beautifully in standout tracks like I Am Neon (with its harmonies), Thunder (melancholic), and Electra (“So here I am” will get stuck in your head). For the song Allies, the band opted for a more pop-rock sound, but halfway through, you suddenly find yourself on the edge of your seat with impressive intensity and a guest synthesizer solo by Derek Sherinian. Not Enough continues in that vein, with clear cymbal syncopations. Drummer Collin Leijenaar (formerly of Neal Morse live) has the talent to make this sound groovy, much like Vinnie Colaiuta. He is the backbone of all the tracks, with both functional and highly creative parts, and he really lets loose in the epic Outer Light, where Kristoffer Gildenlöw plays fine bass lines and Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy) guests with a guitar solo. His bandmate Paul Crezee has his highlight in Glow, with a guitar solo of mythical proportions, somewhere between Hackett and Petrucci. As a permanent band member, he makes a strong impression throughout the album. In Cities, we suddenly hear alternative sounds (Chroma Key) with a drum machine, and Wudstik, in the climax, channels Daniel Gildenlöw’s intensity. There are so many details, like the synthesizer melody, a blissful and touching calm moment after much intensity in the epic. “In the end!” echoes bombastically at the close. Unprecedentedly high level. - Freek Wolff
