Dizmas

Lancaster, California’s Dizmas made a strong statement when their debut On a Search in America hit streets. The edgy rock sound of the album stood in stark contrast to the bland CCM market and those hoping for something different thought they had found it. Then along came the sophomore slump, Tension, a highly anticipated yet completely uneventful album. With a 50/50 track record in tow Dizmas return with their self-titled third album and their first for the Forefront label.

Dizmas is the sound of a band torn. This could literally be two separate EPs. Let’s start with the first half of the album (“Yours” through “Different”). This is the portion of the album where the phrase “take it or leave it” applies. “Yours” kicks the album of in a typical, ho hum way that sounds similar to just about every CCM rock band around today. “Play It Safe” and “Save the Day” are much the same, sounding radio friendly, safe, and welcome in churches across the United States. When you round out the trio with “Redemption, Passion, Glory” and the anthemic ballad “Different” you have a solid EP of worship oriented material that will appeal to fans of Christian pop radio but little else.

Beginning with Track 6, literally the halfway point, the Dizmas that dominated On a Search In America shockingly returns. From out of nowhere, the edgy, giant-hooked rock monsters take over delivering “Shake It Off” and “Jealousy Hurts” like their pants are on fire. To be honest, this is what fans expected to hear on Tension. By the time the album’s centerpiece, “This Is a Warning” hits, you can’t help but get excited as the chorus commandingly lets be known “We don’t get it and don’t care if we do.” The experimental “Dance” and the big ballad “Worth Fighting For” round out this section of the album and when it ends there is little question that Dizmas has returned to form.

Dizmas is a complicated album that makes one wonder if the record label wants something different from the band than they desire to give. The heart of this album is inarguably the second half and when the inspiration hits, it fills a void in this market that sorely needs filled. If you are looking for something different then you will get half an album’s worth here. If you love the CCM bands that dominate Christian radio these days then you’ll get half an album’s worth here as well. So what this all really boils down to is how many enjoyable songs you think you should get for your $15-$18. If the entire album were like the second half is then this may have been a contender for album of the year.

Tagged as: alternative rock, Dizmas, Forefront, modern rock, Tension

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