DIE ANDERE SEITE

German band TRAUMHAUS was formed back in 1994 with vocalist and keyboardist Alexander Weyland as its central member. They released their self-titled debut album back in 2001, on the now defunct Angular Records label. Seven years later they released their second album "Die Andere Seite", this time on Saustark Records. When they reappeared in 2013 with their third full length album it was released through the German label Progressive Promotion Records. They have subsequently reissued the first two Traumhaus albums, adding bonus cuts to the new versions.

Like with their debut album, Traumhaus wanders through a landscape where they use elements from neo progressive and classic symphonic rock, with some metal oriented details added in. The end result is a compelling one, with frail passages and majestic sequences alternating in a smooth and logical manner. Fairly liberal use of the Mellotron is a strong mood provider, and a taste for that instrument will be needed, as will a certain affection for atmospheres bordering the melancholic and occasionally with a more ominous presence.