Dream Evil
In The Night

"United," the fourth studio effort from Swedish band Dream Evil (2006), was an album that sparked mixed opinions: some worshipped it as a masterpiece, while others considered it a bitter disappointment. Regardless of one's opinion, the band, led by producer Fredrik Nordström, is an established presence in today's metal scene, and this new release, fresh off the press, confirms that.

"In The Night" showcases all the typical characteristics of Dream Evil's style, primarily the celebration of metal, epic atmospheres, and irony (listen to "The Ballad," where they humorously reference Snowy Shaw, the group's former drummer). The work is inspired by both German-style Power metal, particularly Primal Fear, and classic Heavy (Judas Priest). For instance, while the first three tracks ("Immortal," the title track and "Bang Your Head") belong predominantly to the heavy genre, the subsequent "See The Light" fits more squarely within the Power realm; this alternation creates a strong development base. A clarification: the track "The Unchosen One" is the third chapter of a saga that began in "Dragonslayer" (with "The Chosen Ones") and continued in "Evilized" ("Chosen Twice").

Nordström declared that the group wanted to continue to keep things simple ("keep things simple"), and "In The Night" highlights how the guitarist-producer is a man of his word. To summarize this CD - inevitably oversimplifying - two terms could be used: energy and immediacy. Each song envelops the passionate listener in its metal cloak, thanks to the commanding guitar riffs and the vocals of Niklas "Nick Night" Isfeldt, always capable of impressing. The notes of the more melodic tracks, like "See The Light," immediately lodge in one's mind, akin to the choruses that Dream Evil use so frequently ("Immortal", "Bang Your Head", "Frostbite", "On The Wind"). In short, the album entertains, rarely veering from the path of the "traditional" sound (listen to the intro to "Electric" and the chimes of "In The Fires Of The Sun"). The lyrics are what they are, but Dream Evil are the first to be aware of it: in a type of metal whose primary aim is to exalt the listener, the focus is more on the music. Lastly, it's also important to note Fredrik Nordström's excellent production.

Essentially, the Swedish group releases another more than respectable album, certainly ill-suited for advocates of "serious" music but with the potential to satisfy all fans and those who wish to forget, for 46 minutes and spare change, the decay of daily routine.

I thank once again the disturber for prompting me to review this work.

• Fredrik "Ritchie Rainbow" Nordström - rhythm guitar, keyboards;
• Peter "Pete Pain" Stålfors - bass;
• Niklas "Nick Night" Isfeldt - vocals;
• Patrick "Pat Power" Jerkstein - drums;
• Daniel "Dannee Demon" Varghamne - guitar.

1. "Immortal"
2. "In The Night"
3. "Bang Your Head"
4. "See The Light"
5. "Electric"
6. "Frostbite"
7. "On The Wind"
8. "The Ballad"
9. "In The Fires Of The Sun"
10. "Mean Machine"
11. "Kill, Burn, Be Evil"
12. "The Unchosen One"
13. "Good Nightmare" (bonus track)
14. "The Return" (bonus track)