DREAMTALE – Everlasting Flame (2022)

While not achieving the success of some contemporaries, Finnish melodic metal / sympho / progressive / power rockers DREAMTALE are among the best in these genres. Founded in 1999 by songwriter/guitarist Rami Keränen, the band released its first three albums through Spinefarm during 2002-2005, gaining listeners from Finland to Japan.
During 20+ years Dreamtale has been doing live shows in and outside of Finland, even China, and worked with well known artists such as Marko Hietala, Jarkko Ahola and Timo Tolkki. In 2019 the band refreshed its sound with the addition of a second vocalist, Nitte Valo (ex-Battle Beast).
Now 2022 DREAMTALE are releasing their anticipated eighth album “Everlasting Flame” where we can hear an updated sound and production: there’s more accessible melodies, electronics and synths on most songs giving a fresh color to the music, and as extra the band has re-recorded thir best songs with this new sonic design, including, IMHO, DREAMTALE ‘s best song ever; the melodic power ballad ‘Lady Dragon’.

The start is frenetic because “ King of Kings ” from the first moments shows us that Euro-power so characteristic of the Finns. There’s fine job of new vocalist Nitte Valo as well. “ Blood of the Morning Star ” also brings an indelible melody, a very dynamic rhythmic section, tasty keyboards and the typical Dreamtale choirs.
Emotion continue with “ Last Goodbyes ”, a tune presenting more commercial melodies, with a huge sound and production, and that magical chorus chorus will catch you at first listen.

In “ Ghostride ” the riffs are more muscular and Akseli Kaasalainen’s keyboard once again has a vital presence into the song’s development. In “ Immortal Souls” we have another great metal song where all the instruments explode again, from the bass of Mikko Hepo-Oja, Arto Pitkänen’s drums, to the fantastic keyboards and charismatic choirs that lead us to a singable and recognizable chorus in a major key that will hook listeners.

After so much intensity, the Finns slow down things a bit with “ No Shadow Goes Too Far ”, a beautiful and elegant song, with majestic choruses and magnificent choruses. In “ Summer Rose ” the energy of first cuts returns, a piece immersed in a strong melody and punchy rhythms in a classic Dreamtale style.

“ The Glory ” is heavy yet catchy at the same time, and more traditional metal sound appears with “ Eye for an Eye ” where Valo’s voice shine.
After so much power, it’s time for “ Lady Dragon (2022)”, a moving piece that has a brilliant choral development and a very sentimental vocal melody. It’s a classic ‘metal ballad’ with an updated, modern production, and a highlight.

“ Everlasting Flame ” clearly shows that Dreamtale is still an excellent band and one always trying to offer something different in this sub-genre. Although they changed vocalist, their style is still intact, their songs sound effervescent, powerful, elegant and melodic, classic in style, contemporary in production.
Highly Recommended

01 – King of Kings
02 – Blood of the Morning Star
03 – Last Goodbyes
04 – Ghostride
05 – Immortal Souls
06 – No Shadow Goes Too Far
07 – Summer Rose
08 – The Glory
09 – Eye for an Eye
10 – Lady Dragon (2022)
11 – Silent Scream
12 – Tanhupullo
13 – Sleeping Beauty (2022)
14 – Pirates’ Lullaby

Jarno Vitri – Vocals
Nitte Valo – Vocals
Zsolt “Szizsó” Szilágyi – Guitars
Akseli Kaasalainen – Keyboards
Arto Pitkänen – Drums
Mikko Hepo-Oja – Bass
Rami Keränen – Guitars

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