Draft:Dilemma (band)

Dilemma
Origin	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Genres	Progressive rock, melodic rock
Years active	1991–2002, 2012–present
Labels	SI Music, Roadrunner Records, Butler Records, V2 Records
Members	Robin Z (Robin Zuiderveld) – keyboards Wudstik – vocals Paul Crezee – guitar Kristoffer Gildenlöw – bass Collin Leijenaar – drums, producer
Past members	Dec Burke – vocals, guitar Erik van der Vlis – bass Frank van Essen – drums Erik Tolboom – guitars Kees Knoester – bass Butler – vocals
Website	dilemma.band

Dilemma is a Dutch progressive rock band.

History

Formation and Early Years (1991–2002)

Dilemma was founded in Barneveld, Netherlands in 1991. They released a cassette-only album titled Trapped in 1993, featuring a straightforward rock sound. Their second album, Imbroccata, released in 1995, marked their foray into progressive rock. The band disbanded in 2002 but reunited in 2012 for a special performance during the iO Pages Festival at De Boerderij in Zoetermeer, Netherlands, and decided to continue.

Revival and Random Acts of Liberation (2018)

In 2018, Dilemma released Random Acts of Liberation, their comeback album after a long hiatus. The album was mixed by Rich Mouser, known for his work with Spock’s Beard and Neal Morse. Following the release, Dilemma toured Europe with Sons Of Apollo and Flying Colors, solidifying their return to the progressive rock scene.

The Purpose Paradox (2024)

Dilemma's latest album is The Purpose Paradox, released in 2024. The album features contributions from new members and was recorded with a focus on intricate arrangements. The band describes the album as a reflection of their growth and evolution over the years.

Band Members

Current Lineup

• Robin Z – keyboards, founder
• Wudstik – vocals
• Paul Crezee – guitar
• Kristoffer Gildenlöw – bass
• Collin Leijenaar – drums, producer

Former Members

• Dec Burke – vocals, guitar (2018–2023)
• Erik van der Vlis – bass (2000–2023)
• Frank van Essen – drums (1991–1995)
• Erik Tolboom – guitars (1991–1996)
• Kees Knoester – bass (1991–1998)
• Butler – vocals (1991–2012)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Imbroccata (1995)
• Random Acts of Liberation (2018)
• The Purpose Paradox (2024)

Musical Style and Influences

Dilemma's music is known for its complex arrangements, blending melodic rock with progressive elements and strong pop structures. They draw inspiration from classic progressive rock bands like Genesis, Marillion and modern influences like Dream Theater, Spock's Beard, Steven Wilson and Frost*.

Live Performances

Dilemma has performed at well-known venues and festivals across Europe, including 013 in Tilburg and De Boerderij in Zoetermeer. Their live shows are characterized by technical precision and an engaging stage presence. A performance was at Cultuurpodium Boerderij in 2018, where they opened for Sons Of Apollo. At their December 2019 performance in Cologne, Dilemma played as the opening act for Flying Colors. The band's set included guitar work by Paul Crezee, and Wudstik replaced the regular singer due to personal reasons. In 2023, Dilemma performed at the Marillion Weekend in Port Zélande.

Awards

In 2018, Dilemma won the iO Pages Prog Award for their album Random Acts of Liberation. The jury praised the band's perseverance, craftsmanship, and ability to blend complex instrumental passages with accessible melodies, making the album a standout in the progressive rock genre.