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| Dreamscape - Trance-like State |
 Released: 1997 Label: Rising Sun Productions Cat. No.: Total Time: | |
Reviewed by: Larry Daglieri, July 1999 Every now and then, a disc comes along that exemplifies exactly what it is that I love about Progressive Metal, and it joins an elite group of discs in my collection that defines the genre. Dreamscape's Trance-like State is such a disc. This is a 65-minute long extravaganza of some of the best melodic progressive metal that I have heard in a long time, and here's why: THE STYLE: This German band has an extremely melodic approach to their music, using heavy, crunching guitar work backed by soaring keyboards that give the music a big, open airy sound unlike the approach that Ivanhoe uses. The Music is very progressive and agressive, yet they somehow manage to maintan a soft, melodic warm feeling about their music even when they are executing an all out attack on the senses. Very few bands can achieve this without sounding too cold and technical, and Dreamscape has to be one of the most melodic progressive bands in the business because of this ability. THE SINGER: The singer is one of the many shining points in this band. I would describe him as sounding a cross between Tom Malicoat (Lethal), and Mark Vanderbilt (Kamelot) and that combination allows him to not only to wail at will without ever being irritating, but it also means that he can sing ballads with tremendous emotion and warmth. There is little doubt that he is one of the best prog metal singers I have ever heard. His voice is absolutely crucial to the sound of this band, and it is hard for me to imagine too many other singers that can pull this off like Tobi Zoltan can. THE MUSIC: The guitarist, Wolfgang Kerinnis, is what this sound can be attributed to. He not only plays the guitar in the band, he produced the disc, mixed it, and wrote most of the material making him one talented individual. He brings a nice heavy crunching sound to the music, never overearing, but there is no mistaking who is making all of that wonderful noise on the disc..... He can turn it down as well, as he takes out acoustic guitar for a few numbers, mixing it in nicely with his electric sound. The bass, drums and keyboard complement this sound superbly, and I have to say that I wish more prog metal bands would employ more keyboards in their music, it just adds so much warmth and depth to the power that has been established by the guitar sound. Bands like Superior, Ivanhoe and other use this same approach to establishing a signature sound. I believe that bands which employ this method of achieving that sound like the ones mentioned have that are ability to mix in warmth with their powerful style, and this is what sets ordinary bands apart from bands that excel in this genre. THE LYRICS: The Lyrics on the disc are very well thought out, lots of times dealing with emotions such as fear, thought, loneliness and the occasional abstract subjects of time and dreams. Most of them are compliments of Wolfgang Kerinnis, which should give you an idea of how talented this guy is. FINAL COMMENTS: Overall, I have to say that this is one of the BEST melodic progressive metal discs in my collection. It is essential to fans of all styles of prog metal, as Dreamscape certainly employs every style known to the genre on the disc, but again never failing to lose that melodic, warm feeling which shines through on every song. If you are fan of Superior, Ivanhoe, Dream Theater, or any other band similar to the ones mentioned, then disc is a must. More about Trance-like State: Track Listing: Spirits / Fateful Silence / Streets / Changes / One & A Million / Face Your Fears / Loneliness / Decisions / Final Thoughts / It's Not The End / Don't Take Care / Center Of Time / Wall Musicians: Contact: Website: www.dreamscape.de Discography
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