Dali's Dilemma - Manifesto for Futurism

Year of Release: 1999
Label: Magna Carta
Catalog Number: MA-9024-2
Format: CD
Total Time: 49:30:00

Take a dash or two of Dream Theater, of Queensryche, and, believe it or not, a smidgen of U2, and you have a good idea of what Dali's Dilemma sound like - that is, what brand of progressive they trade in. Impressive guitar runs courtesy of Patrick Reyes, powerful drumming by Jeremy Coleson, soaring (and better than most) vocals by Matthew Bradley, booming bass from Steve Reyes, and keys by Matt Guillory (which get their spotlight in the understated and too short "Whispers").

While the intro might sound like I'm getting set to pass them off as yet another in a long chain of sound alikes, I'm not. I really like this album, there are so many interesting soundscapes here that draw you in. I would be lying here if I said that some moves aren't out of the "established" neo-prog metal style. But, fitting in with a genre and being a clone are different things. Given my feelings on Dream Theater's last studio album, Falling Into Infinity, this has tons more energy and a much better production. And, if the truth be told, I like Bradley's voice a lot more than I like LaBrie's.

I feel Manifesto for Futurism is a strong solid album and I have a hard time picking out any one track that really stands out ... or really, one that doesn't. "Ashen Days" has an interesting lyrical arrangement, but also comes across as awkward in spots. Bradley does sound a little strained on "The Time Around," almost as if he's trying to rein himself in, and yet still trying reach the upper registers.

Patrick Reyes gets to show his dexterity on each track, whether in brief bursts or for extended solos - showmanship without the showoffmanship. In contrast, on "Hills Of Memory" his playing is clear and crisp and very much like early The Edge - giving this a very classic U2 feel (aided by Bradley sounding Bono-esque). It wouldn't be mistaken for a U2 song, mind you. There's a certain crunch that U2 never got to (at least classic U2, I lost interest pretty much after Joshua Tree).

This'll place high on my top picks for 1999 for sure, and comes recommended.

Tracklisting:
Within A Stare (5:48) / Miracles In Yesteryear (7:09) / Despite The Waves (5:49) / Whispers (2:04) / Ashen Days (5:27) / Andromeda Sunrise (2:00) / This Time Around (4:50) / Hills of Memory (4:47) / Can't You See (5:15) / Living In Fear (7:41)

Musicians:
Matthew Bradley - vocals
Patrick Reyes - guitars
Jeremy Colson - drums
Steve Reyes - bass
Matt Guillory - keyboards

Discography:
Manifesto For Futurism (1999)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin US

Added: July 25th 1999
Reviewer: Stephanie Sollow
Score:
Hits: 4279
Language: english