Origin:	Zwickau, Germany
Genres:	Progressive Metal

Page online:	May 23, 2007
Last update/review:	December 8, 2022

Disillusion

It's one thing for an established band to tinker with their sound for an album, or even branch out in a new direction. But it's quite another for a band to debut with a solid album, well-received by both fans and critics, and then do something quite different with their followup. But that's what Disillusion did. After debuting with a little-known EP in 2001, the band burst on to the scene with Back To Times Of Splendor in 2004, an album that deservedly drew raves from all corners for its impressive and unique take on progressive metal. Miles from the ordinary melodic prog metal of the typical Dream Theater clone, Splendor has more in common with bands like Into Eternity (not a direct soundalike, mind you), combining aggressive yet progressive melodies with both clean and harsh vocals. By contrast, 2006's Gloria, was a different animal altogether, the band experimenting with stark rhythms and vocals that at times brought Rammstein of all bands to mind. This was no longer simply progressive metal, but something altogether more experimental and different. This change clearly alienated some listeners, though others were pleased with the unexpectedness and progression that the band showed. It would be 13 years before the band, featuring an all-new lineup surrounding founder Andy Schmidt, would return with a new album, and that album, The Liberation, was a partial return to the Splendor style, though the band still has found ways to broaden their sound and keep listeners interested. That drive continued on 2022's Ayam, solidifying Schmidt and crew as of the true innovators in progressive metal.