Dream Evil Dragon Slayer
Metal Blade LC6975 2002
By Russell Garwood
Swedish band Dream Evil is the brain-child of legendary producer Fredrik Nordström who has worked with In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, Spiritual Beggars and Opeth during his long and industrious career. For this project, a vehicle for his own melodic metal compositions, Fredrik has teamed up with Greek guitarist Gus G., singer Niklas Isfeldt, bassist Peter Stålfors and ex-King Diamond drummer Snowy Shaw. This group of talented musicians play twelve songs of hugely catchy, unashamedly retro power metal, together with more traditional elements.
The guitar work in Dream Evil is extremely impressive, both rhythm (as in the standout "Save Us") and lead (see: In Flames You Burn). Snowy Shaws drumming is consistently impressive; The Prophecy showcases his talents well, and three songs feature Gothenburg's Philharmonic string section who also appeared on Dimmu Borgir's "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia". The vocals are archetypical power metal vox and fit the music well, although the bass has little impact. My favourite tracks include the epic Chosen Ones, obligatory ballad Losing You and opener Chasing The Dragon.
As you would expect, the production on Dragon Slayer is excellent; perfectly balanced, it brings out all the elements of the music without any one becoming overpowering. Dream Evil may not be groundbreaking or original, but who cares when music is as fun and catchy as this?
Metal Blade LC6975 2002
By Russell Garwood
Swedish band Dream Evil is the brain-child of legendary producer Fredrik Nordström who has worked with In Flames, Dimmu Borgir, Spiritual Beggars and Opeth during his long and industrious career. For this project, a vehicle for his own melodic metal compositions, Fredrik has teamed up with Greek guitarist Gus G., singer Niklas Isfeldt, bassist Peter Stålfors and ex-King Diamond drummer Snowy Shaw. This group of talented musicians play twelve songs of hugely catchy, unashamedly retro power metal, together with more traditional elements.
The guitar work in Dream Evil is extremely impressive, both rhythm (as in the standout "Save Us") and lead (see: In Flames You Burn). Snowy Shaws drumming is consistently impressive; The Prophecy showcases his talents well, and three songs feature Gothenburg's Philharmonic string section who also appeared on Dimmu Borgir's "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia". The vocals are archetypical power metal vox and fit the music well, although the bass has little impact. My favourite tracks include the epic Chosen Ones, obligatory ballad Losing You and opener Chasing The Dragon.
As you would expect, the production on Dragon Slayer is excellent; perfectly balanced, it brings out all the elements of the music without any one becoming overpowering. Dream Evil may not be groundbreaking or original, but who cares when music is as fun and catchy as this?
