Odd Dimension Symmetrical

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by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

More and more interesting music is coming out of Italy these days. The debut album from the Italian progressive metal band Odd Dimension has been a long time coming, and Symmetrical is a solid release from start to finish.

Formed back in 2001 by current members Gianmaria Saddi (guitars), Federico Pennazzato (drums) and former keyboard player Antonio Agate, Odd Dimension looked to push the boundaries of progressive metal by weaving in elements of jazz and more “extreme” forms of metal. They began composing original material after bassist Gigi Andreone signed on. Vocalist Manuel Candiotto joined the band in 2004 and they began playing numerous live gigs and recorded a demo CD. Current keyboard player Gabriele Ciaccia became the final piece of the puzzle and Odd Dimension hit the studio to record what will be their debut CD entitled Symmetrical, to be released by Scarlet Records on March 22, 2011.

Despite being only 7 tracks long, Symmetrical is a very solid album, and each track is long and juicy. The band’s web site calls the album “…a journey amid lights and shadows, good and evil, past and present…” and that is not far from the truth. The band mixes in a number of old and new school influences and produces a relatively unique sound, with the music driven about equally by guitar and keyboard. Undoubtedly progressive metal, Odd Dimension rolls in some very intense guitar lines, soaring keyboard passages and touches of straight up rock and power metal – a refreshing mix that proves the band is trying to find its own style and not just imitate those that have come before.

Working together like true veterans, no one member of the band dominates the music. Manuel Candiotto’s vocals are solid throughout. He sings in a relatively high range, but manages to pull off every note without straining and is clear and understandable. Gianmaria Saddi (guitars) works hand in hand with Gabriele Ciaccia (keyboards), both are content to be rhythm players and then neatly step forward as soloists – neither hogs the spotlight and both do a fine job. The bottom end is very tight as well. Gigi Andreone’s bass work is lively and intense and Federico Pennazzato’s drums are a vital part of the music – both are much more than simple musical timekeepers. The band’s songwriting skills are top-notch as well. Each song has a unique style and intensity level, but all feature strong lyrics and excellent musicianship. Their arrangements are simple and basic with minimal electronic trickery, giving the album an almost “live” feeling. The production and engineering are very good, although the music buries Candiotto’s voice occasionally.

The album opens on a high with “Farewell To The Stars,” filled with solid vocals, sweeping musical passages, progressive rock tempo changes, and loaded with energy. The influences of Dream Theater, Rush, Symphony X and the other prog greats are easy to spot. “Rising through Light” has a more unique sound and is a bass and drum showpiece. Soft and melodic guitars open “The Ecstasy of Hopes,” but the band gradually builds up the energy and intensity with a long instrumental opening before dropping in some very powerful vocals, harmonies and grinding riffs. A touch of symphonic metal, operatic metal and even a bit of metalcore are all rolled into the steamroller “Another Shore.”

“The Day Meets The Night” is all about power and speed, quite probably the best track on the album. Blistering guitar riffs and solos, intense drums and keyboards complement a busy vocal line. “Light Speed Journey” has some techno style keyboards at the start, but soon develops into a bass driven epic rocker with some interesting and intricate drum work. The band wraps the album with an old school metal track, “I’ll Be Back Once More” – a bit different from the rest of the album, but an amazing finish and fine demonstration of the band’s depth.

Symmetrical is an excellent debut effort in a year that so far has produced a number of strong first efforts. Odd Dimension has all the tools and talent to develop into a truly amazing prog metal band, and with a little luck and continued effort their future releases will be even stronger. Refreshingly unique, Symmetrical should be on every prog metal fan’s “must have” list.

Highly recommended! Up the Odd!

Genre: Progressive Metal

Band:
Manuel Candiotto (vocals)
Gianmaria Saddi (guitar)
Gabriele Ciaccia (keyboards)
Gigi Andreone (bass)
Federico Pennazzato (drums)

Track Listing:
1. Farewell To The Stars
2. Rising Through Light
3. The Ecstasy Of Hopes
4. Another Shore
5. The Day Meets The Night
6. Light Speed Journey
7. I’ll Be Back Once More

Label: Scarlet Records (www.scarletrecords.it )

Website: http://www.odddimension.it/

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.7/10