EP Review: Dissona – Dreadfully Distinct (Self Released)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Chicago prog-metal Dissona back with their new EP ‘Dreadfully Distinct’ due out on November 10th being distributed by Earache Records.

The EP follows their 2016 album ‘Paleopneumatic’ and sees the band taking a look at three Blade Runner characters, brought to life through meticulously crafted, deeply cinematic progressive metal.

It doesn’t get more science-fiction than Blade Runner, and it’s the perfect subject matter for a band with the prog-metal skills of Dissona to investigate. Each track looks at a particular character, attempting to create more depth and tell its own story, beginning with The Prodigal Son.

Based around the creation and development of the character Roy Batty, Dissona take the listener into territories not previously explored. Doing so in a way that captures the energy and beauty of the original film’s style. Progressive metal, but highly cinematic, it is a fascinating exploration of a character who treads the line between right and wrong so effectively. Somehow, Dissona have crafted musical moments that go with some of the events that the film only hinted at.

Is Rick Deckard a replicant? It’s one of the major unanswered questions of Blade Runner and it’s an element of Renaissance that Dissona explore. Yet, this is a track based in hazy dreams, desperate escapes, and impossibilities. Showcased by erratic, electric, and emphatic cinematic progressive metal.

Finally, Dissona move on to Blade Runner 2049 and this time, take a good look at Agent K. The tone is changed here, as Dissona take the track in a completely electronic direction, adding a foreboding sense of menace, and reminding the listener that for all the beauty of this world, it is fraught with danger.

The more times you listen to this EP, the more you pick up. It’s quite a fascinating release. Fans of the Blade Runner universe will get a lot more out of it than non-fans, but everyone can enjoy the imaginative prog noise Dissona create regardless.

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Dissona – Dreadfully Distinct Track Listing:

1. The Prodigal Son
2. Renaissance
3. Skinjob




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Dissona - Dreadfully Distinct (Self Released)
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