EVERLIGHT

Dreamscape is a hidden jam of prog metal. Lack of wider recognition, probably, was the reason of their break-up after the excellent 2007 album. But five years after the band's mastermind, guitarist Wolfgang Kerinnis, managed to put out a new album. It's a strange one and not their best. There are different lead vocalists for a lot of songs (and, as if to sum up, all return once more for the epic song). Somehow it doesn't feel like a proper album. Although it was probably deliberate design.

Then it's a testament to the guy's talents that it is all very listenable (but you have to give it a few spins). The principal vocalist has an aggresive style, so most songs are in prog-power vein, rather than the intense and emotional Dreamtheater vibe of the 5th Season ( come on! DREAMscape! 5th SEASON!). But there are also classically inspired instrumental pieces, a couple of ballads, and more-changes-than-you-blink prog workout of "A matter of time transforming".

A feature of the band is the very heavy tone of the guitar. Keyboards are equally prominent and diverse, from piano-ish runs to dramatic soundscapes. But structures generally are less complex than before, maybe an appeal for broader recognition this time around.