Dream Evil is the brainchild of noted producer and studio man
Fredrik Nordström, who apparently decided after producing all
sorts of quality metal bands that he could play as well as any of
them.
He assembled a quality lineup including drummer Snowy Shaw, who
seemingly has played with every Scandinavian band under the sun,
and has to date produced four albums.
If ever there was an album that defined traditional 80's
melodic power
metal (in a good way, not in a tired, been-there-done-that way),
this is it.
There's little here that is truly original or particularly
contemporary, but all the pieces fit perfectly, from a flawless
production to the powerful but never wailing vocals of
Niklas Isfeldt, to the crunchy, tasteful guitarwork of Nordström
and Greek guitar phenom Gus G., to the straightforward yet
well-crafted songwriting.
There's a bit of early Europe here, a touch of a less over-the-top
HammerFall, plus any number of classic 80's influences like
Dio and
Helloween.
Even in a very crowded Euro power metal field, Dream Evil
stands tall and proud, very recommended for 80's metal purists.
Recent album: Metal Gods,
released on July 26, 2024.
