Review: Dissona – Dreadfully Distinct [EP]

Style: progressive metal (mixed vocals)
Recommended for fans of: Leprous, Opeth, Devin Townsend
Review by: Zach
Country: Illinois, United States
Release date: 10 November, 2023

Dissona are, without a doubt, one of the most underrated bands in the prog-sphere. a perfect storm of genre-blending, prog technicality, and eclectic theatricality. Each release of theirs has seen a steady increase of growth, with 2016’s Paleopneumatic being a favorite of mine. Then, as with all my favorite things (looking at you, GRRM, Rothfuss, and Togashi), complete silence. An opus seemed to be right around the corner with how good the last effort was. What happened?

One can only imagine my sheer joy in hearing not only was there a new Dissona right around the corner, but it was a concept album based off my favorite movie of all time, Blade Runner. Then, my subsequent, crushing disappointment when it was only a three track EP. Better than nothing, I suppose?

The good news is, all three tracks on here are good! ‘The Prodigal Son’ is a strong opener, giving us the electronic-infused sections Dissona are well known for before giving way to a Persefone-esque riff. Dissona have clearly been practicing, because everyone sounds better than ever here. The lyrics deserve a special shout out here. Upon hearing the iconic quote  “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe” sung in the typical Dissona way, I was practically in heaven. The lyrics here deserve a special shout out, seamlessly incorporating quotes from both the original movie and its sequel, 2049, without feeling like a forced reference.

Each track is from the point of view of a different character in the Blade Runner universe, and I could tell who it was from the title alone. ‘The Prodigal Son’ captures Roy Batty’s existential and contemplative nature, mixed with a hint of mania from the riffs. ‘Renaissance’ portrays the frantic nature of Deckard’s choice to run away with his Replicant lover, Rachael, with the climactic shout of “Take this fever!/You great deceiver!”  and “I curse this dream!” being one of the top musical moments of the year for me. ‘Renaissance’ really highlights everything I love about Dissona, and it’s so clear that they love Blade Runner as much as me. The rapid assault of riffs atop soaring vocals, all building to that incredible ending. Their brand of electronic infused metal fits so perfectly with the world of cyberpunk Los Angeles. Alas, the EP was over before I knew it. 

‘Skinjob’ is quite possibly the perfect interlude track, except it’s the end of the album. With the introduction of Officer K, I was nearly ready for the album to jump into an epic, telling the tragic story of the Replicant who just wants to be special. But, the EP’s over. ‘Skinjob’ feels like it’s building up to a much larger song that never comes, and if Dissona are planning a whole album centered around Blade Runner, I’ll rescind my score, but I can’t score nearly as high as I’d like to, if only for the fact it doesn’t feel like a complete EP, and rather a collection of three really great songs. 

Dissona is back, but I feel like they’ve given me half of something that should be really good. If they release these three songs with a full album, I’ll make amends to this review and re-post it, but for now, I can only be left with two really great songs, a cool interlude, and a bit of disappointment.

Recommended tracks: It’s just three songs
You may also like: Omnerod, Aperion Bound
Final verdict: 7/10

Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Metal-Archives page

Label: Independent

Dissona is:
– Craig Hamburger (Bass)
– Drew Goddard (Drums)
– Matt Motto (Lead guitars)
– David Dubenic (Vocals)