Dissona, a progressive metal band from Chicago, known for their diverse and imaginative sound is on the verge of releasing their three-track EP Dreadfully Distinct (Nov 10th).
Dreadfully Distinct will not only satiate metal fans and Dissona fans, but it is sure to also intrigue fans of Philip K Dick writer of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? which served as the basis for the Blade Runner movies.
The three song EP has Dissona exploring three characters from the Blade Runner universe – Roy Batty, Rick Deckard, and Agent K.
The first song and single from the EP, “The Prodigal Son”, looks into Roy Batty.
On the song, the band explains,
The track tensely opens with a newscast highlighting the release of the Nexus 6, Eldon Tyrell’s newest and most advanced replicant series to date. The band enters with an exciting instrumental section as Roy’s journey unfolds. As the song progresses, we experience an astonishing and awe-inspiring instrumental section that paints the delicate “C beams” Roy pleasantly describes witnessing. The situation turns, however, as new energies enter his mind. A four-year lifespan is simply not enough for him and he takes violent steps to return to Earth and confront his maker.”
Soon to be available, “Renaissance,” focuses on Rick Deckard from the 1982 film. Opening with a haunting tribal feel, the song explodes into an in your face, or I should in your ears, visceral assault on the auditory senses.
The band explains this about the song,
One of the most prominent underlying layers in this track, is the enticing question we’re presented with in the original Blade Runner film: Is Deckard a replicant? The song opens with a hazy, elemental SFX intro. Flashes of stampeding hooves come and go, perhaps those unicorns poor Deck sees in his dreams (nightmares?). We shift to an exotic instrumental section, brimming with tension tones and odd time signatures followed by an intricate, guitar-driven section, in yet another odd time signature. The colors shift to a delicate, yet strong, contrasting moment, displaying Deck’s protective spirit. His sweaty, midnight escape from LA begins…
While closing song, “Skinjob”, is electronic there is an organic feel to the song as it dives into the psyche of Agent K from Blade Runner 2049.
On “Skinjob”, the band says,
It opens with a sub-driven verse section that paints a vivid picture of life on the dystopian streets of Los Angeles. The lyrics resonate with Agent K’s struggle as a replicant, entirely subject to the will of humans. As the song progresses, it delves into Agent K’s internal conflict and the emotions that shouldn’t exist in a replicant, leading to a powerful emotional crescendo.
“Skinjob” is the shining star on the Dreadfully Distinct – walking a line between metal and brooding goth à la Depeche Mode.
As David Dubenic (vocals), Matt Motto (guitars), Craig Hamburger (bass), and Drew Goddard (drums) create collaboratively, aligning to the overarching themes and narrative, their unity allows for both an aural and visual experience.
Dreadfully Distinct is not dreadful but it is distinct, creative, and brilliant in its creation.
