It
was a pleasant surprise for me to
be approached by the Turkish progressive
metal band Dreamtone. Not that I do
not expect from a band from Turkey
to play progressive metal. It was
a surprise because I received a very
professional work from a very young
band and a very young record label
(this is the debut release of the
Turkish metal label Tavan Arasi).
"Sojourn" is the first full
length release and the band hopes
to break through the international
progressive metal scene with its seventeen
tracks (approximately fifty minutes).
I would say that
the band is more into power progressive
metal, because there are very few
moments of pure progressive metal.
They are rather close to melodic technical
power metal with a lot of keyboards.
They have influences from Shadow Gallery,
Dream Theater ("Images and Words"
area), Iron Maiden and late Blind
Guardian. Despite they have some influences
they manage to shape their own character.
Perhaps you think this is a common
expression in many reviews, but believe
me that the band has found a good
balance between these influences and
their own personality. Dreamtone avoid
following the easy path to folklore
elements, like it was done by other
compatriots, and they show us an international
face that probably will help them
reach a wide audience. They have also
the privilege of a guest appearance
by Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery),
which is also very assistive.
Now let’s go
to the wrong side of "Sojourn".
I would say that they have to work
on a few areas. Firstly, the vocals
section needs improvement. It is a
problem that runs through all the
Mediterranean countries and the examples
of very capable bands that needed
better vocal performances are countless.
Secondly, I think that the production
could be more balanced.
I suggest you look after for Dreamtone,
because it is a very good case of
a power progressive metal band. I
am looking forward to meet them again
and somehow I am sure that their follow
up will be even better. |
