THE DREAMS OF MEN

3.5 stars. I'm not sure exactly why i've had such a hard time getting into PALLAS but I have. I must admit this is the best album that i've heard from them so far though. I guess you could call this a concept album as each song deals with the dreams that mankind have had through the ages.

"The Bringer Of Dreams" is orchestral sounding with lots of strings until it kicks in heavily before 3 minutes. It does settle some when the vocals arrive but not for long. Nice and heavy after 5 minutes and the guitar rips it up as well.The contrasts of mellow and intense continue. "Warriors" opens with the guitar firing away then it stops as drums and vocals take over. It's heavier before 4 minutes when the vocals stop but they return after 6 1/2 minutes. "Ghost Dances" opens with strings as fragile vocals join in after a minute. It kicks in a minute later. Contrasts continue though. Some Native chanting late. "Too Close To The Sun" has a good solid sound to it as it kicks in. It calms down as we get the usual mood and tempo shifts. "Messiah" has a catchy rhythm as vocals and synths help out. A Disney vibe 2 1/2 minutes in. Check out the guitar before 4 minutes. Gospel style harmonies follow.

"Northern Star" is atmospheric throughout. "Mr. Wolfe" opens with keyboards as drums then a full sound kick in.Vocals before a minute as it settles back some. A calm 2 1/2 minutes in before it kicks back in. "Invincible" is mellow with reserved vocals early on. It kicks in as contrasts continue throughout. I like the piano and atmosphere before 6 minutes.The guitar lights it up late. "The Last Angel" has these almost spoken vocals and floating organ to start. It gets fuller 3 1/2 minutes in. Fat bass 6 1/2 minutes in as the mood continues to change. Atmosphere and these female soprano vocals lead late.

I like this one quite a bit and can appreciate why it's getting some high marks.