Odd Dimension - The Last Embrace to Humanity

Man, what are they putting in the water over there in Italy? If you dig that 90s era progmetal, this is for you.I don't know how many times I've mentioned it, but it sure seems like every time a new band captures my attention lately, it's a progressive metal group from Italy. Case in point: Odd Dimension, who's debut album Symmetrical was quite well received. True to the recent trend, this quintet is packed with talent and fits quite snugly into the mold of Dream Theater circa the 90s.

What sets Odd Dimension apart from the rest of the "influenced by XX" crowd are its occasional Gothic leanings (along the likes of Opeth, HIM, or even Lacuna Coil) and the lung busting vocals of lead singer, Manuel Candiotto. And don't take my singling out Manuel as any sort of slight to the rest of the band; all of these dudes play their asses off. As the sophomore effort to Symmetrical, Candiotto and company's concept album, The Last Embrace to Humanity, chronicles the alienation of mankind. It's all familiar musings regarding our planet's fascination with innovation and scientific progress at the expense of what makes us human, but I've never listened to progressive music for the philosophy. Odd Dimension's strength is its music, and these guys know how to rock song after song. So, you know...go get it!

The Bottom Line: Italy's just churning out the amazing prog metal bands these days like there's no tomorrow. If you sit around pining for the days of classic progmetal à la Fates Warning or Dream Theater, this is your new jam. Fantastic stuff.

Tracks To Make You Get Out Your Black Pirate Shirt Out From The Back of the Closet: Under My Creed, Fortune and Pain and Far From Desire

- Genghis has the strangest craving for some chicken parmigiana...