Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof’s magnificent side project Presto Ballet reappear with Dreamentia. A superb surprise follow-up to the story of Andy Rottman which began on Relic of the Modern World back in 2012.
Dreamentia was released back in the middle of last year (2025) and it had passed me by until seeing it recently.
I wasn’t expecting another album from Presto Ballet given they pop up sporadically. Indeed – their previous album, The Days Between – was in 2018. – though they are always first class offerings.
First class applies most certainly to Dreamantia. The tale of Rottman’s disconnection and disappearance from the modern world by relinquishing the trappings of mobile devices, technology and social media concludes in typical Presto Ballet style being that glorious mixture of a 1970s infused prog/pomp/symphonic rock throwback with a fresh feel.
Big, crisp riffs and soaring solos merging in with and alternating with all sorts of keyboards and sythns. Drumming that will make you think of the late, great Neil Peart, rich bass, quirky time signatures and wonderful vocals making quite the mixture.
The opening instrumental of Dreamentia Theme packs in all the above. Irresistibly well done with the keys and guitars punching away making a real driving slab of heavy prog/pomp.
There’s not a false note or any filler anywhere throughout the album. Without exception, each of the eleven tracks deliver individually and collectively. The boundless hooks and melodies aplenty in the vocal are all so catchy too.
Everything is so well composed and performed. Instantly accessible and memorable. The songs are generally around an an average of around five to six minutes with each one packing a punch.
Check out Fanatic in the Attic:
The exception to the five to six minute average is the monster eighteen minute epic of The Quiet Prayers of War. This one is classic 70’s prog brought up to date in outrageously good style.
Everything is chucked at it and it all sticks. A huge, sweeping statement of ability and songwriting overflowing with changes of time and pace all flowing together. Guitars chug, riff and solo along with the swirling keys and synth runs, quirky drumming, big bass and even more soaring vocals.
If, as I did, you grew up in the late 1970s/early 1980s with the likes of Rush, Styx, Kansas, Boston, Yes, Touch, Saracen and similar then you’ll be right at home with Presto Ballet. As you will be if you enjoy high class heavyish symphonic prog with purpose.
For me, Dreamentia is Presto Ballet’s best to date.
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