CD Review: Dreamland - Eye for an Eye

Stirring up images of progressive power metal and something a bit more aggressive, the combination of the word dreamland with the words eye for an eye conjur up a distinct image, and it is not nearly accurate when you hear what they have to offer. This heavy/power metal act offer up a rather generic album of straight up metal that is musically solid, yet does not have any truly high highs, nor does it have anything outright dismal. This is the kind of metal album that genre fans can put on as background music while taking care of other work. It strikes me as music that you can groove to but does not require the strictest of attentions.


It is an album that features musicians that know their way around their instruments, work together well, and have excellent production values. Even with all of that going for it, it is a frustrating exercise trying to squeeze anything new from its bits. Every once in a while a cool riff will break out, or an interesting solo, but they are few and far between, more often sounding like they are playing it safe.

Have I mentioned that Eye for an Eye is frustrating? Some of the songs are downright catchy. There is no denying that there is craft here, but at the same time there is something that just feels the same. It is like you listen just waiting for them to bust out with something that will blow you away. I think they have that potential to really put out something that will really blow everyone's mind, but this is not it.

I find it difficult talking about the album, as it is not that it is bad, just completely down the middle, no chances are taken, no boundaries are touched. It is the kind of album that will please fans of the genre hungry for whatever they can get their hands on, it will satisfy those looking for a straight up metal listen, but will disappoint those looking for the next best thing. I fall into that middle group that is is satisfied by it, but I do have tendencies towards the third category of those looking for something special.

There are are a few songs to keep an eye on over the others. The title track, which leads off the album, is solid in the way it surges ahead with some nice bassdrum work and strong singing. Other cuts to spend a little extra time with include "Reverse Deny" which brings up images of 80's era power metal, the catchiness of "Chosen Ones," and the step up riffs of "Heavenly Designed." Then there is the anomaly of the closing song, "Revolution in Paradise," which is structured similarly to the rest of the album, but introduces a metalcore style vocal incorporating a scream in with the more melodic style employed on the rest of the album. It doesn't work completely, but does demonstrate a willingness to take a bit of a chance. If only they tried it, meaning taking chances, with more of the album.

Vocal duties are handled by Jake E, who has a good voice, but does not cut loose with the energy that it possesses. Guitars are supplied by Johann Eriksson and Eric Rauti, both are pretty good atlaying down the power metal bed, but could go further. Rhythm section is comprised of Mats Rendlert on bass and Jesse Lindskog on drums. The drums are decent, but never really pick up the pace, rather they remain strongly entrenched in a rock mode, when the music calls for more. Again, none of it is bad, just not as strong as it could be.

Bottomline. Looking for something new to listen to? This could fit the bill, so long as expectations are kept in check. Like I said earlier, this is a good metal album to put on as background music while you do other things. It is solid, just unspectacular.

Mildly Recommended.