VASS/KATSIONIS: “Ethical Dilemma” (2 February 2022, Symmetric Records)

“Ethical Dilemma” is the album spawn of the collaboration between Terra Incognita’s vocalist, Billy Vass, and the producer/multi-instrumentalist Bob Katsionis. The project’s debut will be released in February 2, 2022, by the Symmetric Records.

The idea that at first started as a solo album for Vass, took the form of a progressive metal record with the contribution of Bob Katsionis. As Vass stated about this album, the “Ethical Dilemma” is not a direct concept album in the manner of storytelling but is based around a constant that exists in the lyrics of every song. That constant is also the title of the album. 

From what I managed to gather from the lyrics while listening to the record and from the track “Mark the Moment”, the constant expressed comes both from the retrospective examination and from the esoteric exploration of one’s actions and thoughts. The lyrics, though quite direct and simple for everyone to follow, have that element of poetry, painting slightly abstract pictures. That blending in writing helps the listener to stay focused without losing touch while at the same time dives into the poetic environment created.

Musically, the album has a very clear foundation based on influences by bands like Fates Warning and Queensryche. Specifically, the Fates Warning influence is clear throughout the album, almost to the point that until a new official release by them the “Ethical Dilemma” would be the closest thing for the fans of the legendary progressive band. 

However, those influences are not copied and pasted, but rather properly “digested” and incorporated into their musical approach, thus forming a new sound that is both new and familiar. This, undoubtedly, is the best kind since it connects instantly with the listener. Also, if you are like me, you enjoy playing a musical “connect the dots”, noticing the small inspirational details in the albums that you listen to. And thankfully, the “Ethical Dilemma” has plenty of those while, as I stated and I will repeat, presents its own sound and character.

As a conclusion, if you are a fan of the progressive metal you wouldn’t want to miss the release of “Ethical Dilemma” and if you are not you should definitely give it shot, I am confident that this can be your introductory album to the genre. Anyhow, save the date, February 2nd, so you don’t miss this great release.

1. Message To The Masses

2. Mark The Moment

3. Web Weaver

4. Dreamscreen

5. Echoes In Paradise

6. Purify

7. Faceless Encounter

8. I Walk Alone

https://vass-katsionis.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/symmetricrecords/

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