LIVE
11 okt - Boerderij, Zoetermeer (release show)
24 nov - AFAS, Amsterdam (Dream Theater after show)
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.
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’ BNL 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).
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.
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- 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.
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.
The new album
As said, ‘The Purpose Paradox’ was written and produced like a concept album. Because let’s face it, you’re either a progressive rock band or you’re not. But seriously: the story of ‘The Purpose Paradox’ revolves around a man named Neon. Someone like us in the here and now.
During his quest for connection and fulfillment, he finds support from an unconventional guide named Electra. She points out to him that sometimes the things we look for are the things that found us first.
Will Neon’s heart glow again when he discovers the outer light? Or does the greed of the corporate machine known as The Hand succeed in extinguishing his inner fire? Can Neon’s secrets be deleted? And will he, in the end, arrive in the comfort zone of allies in the raw, rainy city he once left behind?
Credits ‘The Purpose Paradox’
- Jermain ‘Wudstik’ van der Bogt – vocals
Paul Crezee – guitars
Kristoffer Gildenlöw – bass
Collin Leijenaar – drums, loops, percussion, additional keys, sound design, programming - Robin Z – keyboards
Additional musicians
- Mark Lettieri –– guitarsolo at 9:57 on ‘Outer Light’
Derek Sherinian –– keyboard solo and Hammond B3 on ‘Allies’
Rich Mouser –– additional guitars and vocals, guitar solo at 15:12 on ‘Outer Light’ Dec Burke –– additional guitars on ‘Outer Light’
Nando Eweg –– additional keys
Produced by Collin Leijenaar
Recorded by Collin Leijenaar at Novae Studio, Ede The Netherlands
Mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser & Collin Leijenaar at The Mouse House, Los Angele
For more information contact Stefan.Hayes@v2benelux.com
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