Dreamtale
Epsilon

August 2011
Released: 2011, Indie
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: JP

In a situation strangely reminiscent of England’s Power Quest, Dreamtale is a band with many similar characteristics. They both started the same time, each have one key guy doing the song-writing, each have had a string of five world-class albums, and each coming back after a three year gap with a strong album. In Dreamtale’s case EPSILON is the name of their new 10-track offering and as such it is the first review of a Dreamtale album in many years since our very own Luxi reviewed the sophomore album OCEAN’S HEART back in 2003. It’s about time we revisited this Finnish sextet.



EPSILON is the second album with the ‘new’ vocalist Erkki, but my first time hearing his performance. He reminds me of Bernhard of Axxis in tone and presentation, which is a very positive attribute. His voice is clear, powerful with expressive vocals lines. He has good range and is quite smooth overall. Dreamtale continue to be quite a diverse and dynamic band. I hear hints of celtic influences on the slower cuts like, ‘Lady Of A Thousand Lakes’ and ‘Stranger’s Ode’ which brings a mild Wuthering Heights influence. For example that aforementioned cut offers some softer passages with flutes and understated vocal delivery by Erkki backed by some nice symphonic flourishes.



Dreamtale although having many layers of keyboards don’t forget to bring the heat with a raging opening cut called ‘Firestorm’ followed by the super singable ‘Angel Of Light with a rippy, little keyboard riff that would sit nicely on any Nightwish album. The keys don’t overwhelm the guitars but certainly compliment the clean, clear guitar tone.



Naturally for Dreamtale, as with all good Metal, the tempo of the album is mostly fast and the double-kicks drums used for maximum effect. They keep the songs driving along as evidenced on the final cut ‘Marching To Glory’ which suddenly picks up the pace for the solo section before dropping back into a smooth mid-pace double-kick attack.



I don’t know what more you could ask for from a veteran Finnish Power Metal act. Great songs, top-notch individual performances, great solos, excellent production, speed and fireworks, EPSILON is another winning album in a very busy year for Power Metal.