Album Review: Dream Evil – Metal Gods (Century Media Records)

Heavy metal will never die. But every now and then, it needs a fresh injection of passion, purity, and pomp, just in case. Returning with a new album after seven years of studio silence, Dream Evil are obviously the right men for the job. They are ‘Metal Gods’, and they will reign supreme on July 26th, 2024.

The gods of anthemic heavy metal music. Dream Evil have been making people of all ages head bang for a few decades now and though it has been a while, they don’t mess with the winning formula in the slightest with this new album, Metal Gods.

Coming out of the gates hot as hell, the title track is a Dream Evil modern classic in all the best ways. Big riffs, thumping drumbeats, a screeching solo, soaring vocals, and plenty of chest-pounding, horn-throwing, and hair-flailing group shouts. It’s a blast of an opener and fully embodies the best of what Dream Evil do.

Which, to be fair, sums up the album completely too. Dream Evil doing Dream Evil stuff, with the occasional twist, such as the more cinematic and bombastic edge that Chosen Force has.

Adding a swashbuckling edge to things, The Tyrant Dies at Dawn is sure to a be a live favourite thanks to the power-infused and singalong chorus. Then along comes the heart-racing riffing of Lightning Strikes and the chunky head banging ways of Fight in the Night to keep the vitality front and centre. Dream Evil ensuring that high-powered heavy metal is always the vibe, and that no lethargy could possibly sink in when things are always so heated.

Even when the tempo drops a bit, the anthemic heaviness doesn’t, and with Masters of Arms they deliver some substantial riffs. Before bringing back the speed with great aplomb on Born in Hell and Insane. The latter half of the album holding the same intensity and power as the former half as Dream Evil make their heavy metal ways necessary listening for all head bangers of the world.

Anthemic right to the very end, the thrilling energy of Night Stalker is one of the album highlights and helps ensure that Metal Gods goes out with a mighty bang. Y.A.N.A putting the exclamation mark on the album by being a melodic metal epic that begs you to raise your fist in the air. An easy request to adhere too, after all, it is Dream Evil, and they are such a lovable band.

Which is a major reason as to why this album is enjoyable. Dream Evil are back, doing Dream Evil stuff, and sounding energised and happy. Metal Gods isn’t going to set the world alight, but it’s certainly some major kindling.

Dream Evil – Metal Gods Track Listing:

1. Metal Gods
2. Chosen Force
3. The Tyrant Dies at Dawn
4. Lightning Strikes
5. Fight in the Night
6. Masters of Arms
7. Born in Hell
8. Insane
9. Night Stalker
10. Y.A.N.A

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