Dilemma 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 followup 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’ 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).
Their new album, ‘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 hea/rt 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?