Album Review: Dreamslain – Tales of Knights and Distant Worlds
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
Three man Norwegian "Epic Metal" band Dreamslain have attempted to merge music from the free flowing hippy age of the 70’s, the fierce brutal beginnings of 80’s extreme music with soaring guitars and magnificent keyboards. The band themselves suggest the tracks come from jamming in a rehearsal room, capturing a moment that would be lost over e-mails or zoom calls.
The first track 'He Who Rises In Force' begins with a keyboard sound and vocal sound that build the foundations of Dreamslain’s music. The issue is though, that I personally find it very irritating to listen to. The vocals do not help; they sound as basic as the album cover that adorns the sleeve of this gate fold record. The tone of this track is just basic and could well be mistaken for a piss-take.
Hoping for a progression from the last, 'Knights of La Mancha' rises into view. This now has a sound you might already associate with The Hue; so if you like that vocal feel then this could be for you. The keyboards have lost none of their irritation though, and the other instruments in the piece do not sooth the pain.
'My Mask' is a ten minute track with the intention of being as epic as their implied genre; but it all feels as though they should have spent more time in their practice room, ironing out the lumpy time changes, and the songs structure. The vocals once again do nothing to inspire until the track begins to "black metal" up slightly and Igor Jakobsen’s style seem to sit better with the music.
'Ownership Denied' has a better feeling to it and is close to a listenable song. However, once it kicks off with a little speed, the negatives become apparent once again, the crunchy sections do work though.
To conclude this is not for me to be honest, from the artwork to the music it doesn't tick any boxes.
Dreamslain release 'Tales of Knights and Distant Worlds' On January 29th.
