First things first, the art work on the cover of the new album, The Never Ending Illusion, from Italian prog rock band Daedalus is simply stunning. Mark Wilkinson, who already has Marillion, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden on his CV, has delivered again. All in all it’s a very attractive release.
So who are Daedalus? I may have sold them short in that very first sentence. They are a symphonic prog metal band from Genoa and this, their second album, underlines the mighty steps they have taken since forming in 2000.
Daedalus, as you experts on Greek Mythology are already aware, was the father of Icarus. He is the guy who made the wings for his son that were only held together with wax. Woops.
Daedalus draw their influences from Dream Theatre, Arena, Queen, Rush, and Iron Maiden. Taking elements of all those sources whilst adding their own character to the mix has seen them evolve into an impressive outfit in their own right. In 2003 they released their debut album Leading Far From A Mistake.
This was followed by some line-up changes before the band finally took its current form. Vocalist Davide Merletto and guitarist Andrea Torretta both joined in 2004. The rest of the band comprise of drummer Davide La Rosa, bass player Fabio Gremo, and keyboardist Giuseppe Spano.
In 2007 they contacted former Helloween guitarist Roland Grapow, who mixed the tracks that they had been working on. There is also an impressive list of guest musicians involved on The Never Ending Illusion.
Daedalus has taken a huge quantum leap forward since that first album. They have defined their aims, honed their sound, and produced a complex identity of their own. Like every album I review, I have sat and listened to it several times before putting finger to keyboard.
When tracks of the quality of “Horizons In A Box” come forth from the speakers you realize that here is a band that definitely has something of the highest quality to offer.
Whilst sitting within the prog rock arena Daedalus haven’t fallen into the trap that a lot of bands inspired by Dream Theatre have. They have produced an album with their own character emblazoned upon it and their own style emanating from it.
This is not just a DT clone band but one that produces their own well thought out, and constructed music with enough individual style to make you stand up and take notice.
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