Symphony X, Eternity X, Alchemy X, Dimension X... you see the pattern here, right? These bands don't actually include adult material (hence the X? hahaha) within their music but they all play good progressive stuff. The latest addition in this team of bands (I'm sure I must have forgotten some X bands, sorry!) is Dimension X, another U.S. act, here presenting their debut full length release.
Pre-existing under a different name (and having a history very close to that of Spinal Tap!) the band took its current name in 2001 and released their first EP entitled Adventures In Time And Space. In early 2002 the band made its first public appearance in a packed house at the Miramar Theater - introducing itself and its new self-released EP to America. By early 2003 three prints of this EP went sold out! In 2003 the band hit the studio again, this time to complete a full length album. In 2005 and under the guidance of the well known prog company Unicorn Digital, So... This Is Earth reached my office.
Though close to the guidelines Dream Theater incorporated on what's progressive and what's not, Dimension X often sound more Rock and some times more abstract. I don't have to mention that all the band members are exceptional players,  right? Vocalist David Hoover II (the revenge?) has quite a distinct voice, more Rock than Metal, I think. Songs like Why, Corporate Ladder and the lengthy Xeno's Paradox will make any progressive fan one happy man (not gay!!!). If I'd complain about one thing then that would be the rather weak production, not helping that much the complex compositions. Huge thumbs up however for the cool artwork. The comic-like style is not something I get to see everyday on a metal album.
For a debut album So... This Is Earth shows a band with personality, skills and passion for the music it creates. If they manage to overcome Spinal Tap problems regarding the lineup and become a bit more productive, they will surely build a name in the very difficult scene of prog music.