South America is one of the hotbeds as of late when it comes to Heavy Metal in general, but seems to have a special affinity for everything Power and Progressive Metal related. Hailing from Brazil, the quartet DAYDREAM XI began their journey in 2005 under a different name OSMIUM, but in 2008 changed to their current moniker. Over the next two years they released their "Humanity's Prologue" EP and "The Guts of Hell" single. We finally get their debut album "The Grand Disguise", an 11 song album that has a mixture of shorter constructs as well as the closing 23 minute plus title cut that should be very appealing to those who've loved these genres for decades.

Going to Sweden to produce this album with Jens Bogren (Fascination Street studio) already gives DAYDREAM XI a huge lift in terms of the final product: the listener will get to hear all the instrumentation and technical prowess at crystal clear impact. Guitarist Tiago Masseti handles the vocals, and his voice has that depth that listeners of Russell Allen from SYMPHONY X will love - check out his multi-level register on the heavier, semi-staccato "Like Darkness Rules the Night" or the majestic,  galloping harmony loaded  "Phoenix" for his confident command and control.

Musically the band certainly are proficient to have a lot of qualities similar to DREAM THEATER and SYMPHONY X - but I also believe they are very much into the Power harmonies that make ANGRA long time favorites. Drummer Bruno Giordano has impeccable timing - studying the likes of Mike Portnoy as well as Sweden's EVERGREY on a highlight such as "Zero Days" where the riff stack ebbs and flows and he needs to weave in groove with furious technical fills and transitions. Smartly putting a ballad in as the tenth track "Alone" sets you up for the 23 minute plus title cut.

Expect superb bass soloing, dynamic transitions from furious Progressive interplay into solemn, quiet, introspective clean sections - as well as a bluesy vocal performance from Tiago that rivals David Coverdale in his prime. Not a lot of bands can keep your attention for 23 minutes and 40 seconds, but DAYDREAM XI succeed because they know how to make the individual sections flow together and not stay stuck riding a hook or chord combination into the dirt. Those who love longer arrangements full of twists and turns, extended instrumental sections, and pushing all abilities to the Progressive Metal limits will find this song one of their favorites.

"The Grand Disguise" is worthy of praise, detailed attention, and numerous listens for decades down the line.