New decade, the same old tricks.
For those who remember the glory days of heavy metal’s European rebirth in the early to mid-2000s, the name Dream Evil is undoubtedly a familiar one. Though most likely associated with the famed fourth Dio LP of the same name and otherwise remembered as the project of ultra-prolific studio producer/engineer Fredrik Nordstrom, for much of the 2000s they were arguably one of the more significant traditionally-geared bands to emerge from Sweden after the initial trail that was blazed by the likes of HammerFall and Wolf, two bands that have also employed Nordstrom’s production talents at various points.
The subsequent decades have seen a decreased level of studio output courtesy of this outfit, with their previous LP in 2017’s “Six” being proceeded by 7 years of silence and subsequently followed by a comparable period, but 2024 may well see this former metallic titan of an outfit reclaiming their former glory if “Metal Gods,” their seventh and latest LP has any say in the matter.
The formula at play has changed fairly little, channeling the same mixture of gritty, early 80s heavy metal stylings after the mold of Manowar and Accept, alongside a more modernized, power metal sense of pizzazz and kinetic energy that dovetails with the band’s early connection with the likes of Firewind and Mystic Prophecy through original and long departed guitar icon Gus G.
Alongside Nordstrom’s signature songwriting and rhythmic riff work, G’s replacement Mark Black puts on a wild virtuosic display that rivals his predecessor after the same mold as his contribution to 2006’s “United,” and the combined battery of longtime bassist Peter Stalfors and semi-newly recruited kit man Soren Fardvik further bolsters this album’s parallels with the aforementioned opus. But the dominant personality on display continues to be lead vocalist Niklas Isfeldt, whose high soaring pipes channel the distinctive qualities of HammerFall’s Joacim Cans and iconic Scorpions frontman Klaus Meine in a more biting and aggressive light.

While devotion to tradition has remained a hallmark of this outfit, this go-around the energy has been amped up considerably in contrast to the two previous studio outings. There isn’t a new trick or gimmick to speak of that makes the difference, but rather a renewed sense of drive and potency that sees more memorable songs emerging from the same basic formula.
Right out of the gates, opener and title anthem “Metal Gods” lands with the crash of a cosmic anvil, pummeling the airwaves with a low-end, mid-pace groove that allows for Fardvik’s drum work to get notably bombastic while Black’s lead guitar work goes wild, to speak nothing for the resounding gang refrain that trades blows with Isfeldt’s gritty howls in lyrical celebration of metal culture. Other entries that stomp the proverbial ground with a comparable level of raw power at a middle pace with hooks galore include the Scorpions-like banger “Masters Of Arms” and the mercilessly infectious “Insane”.
Though this is an album that is built primarily from the metal building blocks that typified the days when the genre was a radio staple and things were kept mostly compact, some adventurous moments also dovetail with this outfit’s power metal 2000s contemporaries. The more epic mid-paced excursion “Chosen Force” dabbles in similarly bombastic and symphonic territory to that of Bloodbound, while the fast-pulsing speed/thrashing fury of “Fight In The Night” could easily trade blows with the classic era of Primal Fear and even sees Isfeldt’s vocals taking on a similarly Halford-like tinge to that of Ralf Scheepers.
The flash and splendor of the fantasy-steeped fair of Nocturnal Rites circa the turn of the millennium get a pair of exemplary showings in “The Tyrant Dies At Dawn” and “Born In Hell”, while the riff-happy thrashing of “Night Stalker” scores some heavy aggression points while channeling modern Judas Priest. But the song that ultimately steals the show with a blend of haunting balladry and menacing early 80s Black Sabbath influences is the album’s concluding chapter “Y”, arguably the most distinctive thing to come from this outfit in over 20 years.
This album distinguishes itself from recent releases in the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) that strive to replicate every detail of early heavy metal. Instead, it channels the same passion and essence of that era, masterfully balancing honoring the past without becoming stuck in it, while staying contemporary with a collection of 10 meticulously crafted songs that pack as much punch as today’s leading metal acts.
“Metal Gods” starkly contrasts the use of traditional metal themes between the early 2000s and the 2010s onward, likely resonating more with those well-versed in the genre’s most influential artists. Yet, anyone with a taste for metal who respects the pioneers of the early 80s and appreciates a blend of concise songwriting and technical prowess will find this record appealing. Fans of the band will discover an album that not only surpasses its recent predecessors but also harkens back to the band’s roots, capturing the spirit of their formative years.
Released By: Century Media Records
Release Date: July 26th, 2024
Genre: Power Metal
Musicians:
- Niklas Isfeldt / Lead vocals
- Fredrik Nordström / Rhythm guitar
- Peter Stålfors / Bass
- Markus Fristedt / Lead guitar
- Sören Fardvik / Drums
“Metal Gods” Track List:
1. Metal Gods (03:30)
2. Chosen Force (05:07)
3. The Tyrant Dies At Dawn (03:54)
4. Lightning Strikes (04:22)
5. Fight In The Night (03:47)
6. Masters Of Arms (03:34)
7. Born In Hell (03:51)
8. Insane (04:28)
9. Night Stalker (04:37)
10. Y.A.N.A. (04:09)
Order “Metal Gods” HERE
Dream Evil emerge from another 7 year studio slumber to deliver the same blend of traditional influences with a modern punch, albeit with a slightly stronger emphasis on the latter
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Songwriting
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Musicianship
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Originality
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Production