Domain Of Dreams: Domain Of Dreams

This self titled effort from Bulgarian Progressive/Power metal act Domain Of Dreams is actually the band's third release, with their first two coming out under the name Solaris. While Bulgaria is not exactly renowned for its Metal community, there's little doubt that albums by the likes of Queensryche and Dream Theater have reached this band's homeland, with the former's Rage For Order period being an especially strong influence.

Based round the concept of the "Human dream machine", DoD have created an intricate and well crafted album that is just ever so slightly beyond those who are performing it. That's not to say that guitar pairing Plamen Radev and Ivan Popov aren't adept musicians, but the execution of the brash riffs and bristling percussion can feel a little cluttered and stilted, although a heftier production budget may well have added the sheen necessary to make these songs more convincing. Singer Daniel Radev (presumably Plamen's brother – a third Radev, Ivan is responsible for the lyrics and overall album concept) however is at times the real weak link, with his grating warbley take on Geoff Tate far too often crossing the line from character full into annoying. Something that really does detract from the music itself.

Taking all of that into account, there is a charm and warmth to the music of Domain Of Dreams that many an established act in this genre could do well to take heed of. However that on its own isn't enough to lift this album out of the ordinary and in such a crowded musical market place simply isn't likely to entice many people to investigate further.

Track Listing
1. The Dream Of Revenge
2. The Dream Of Power
3. The Dream Of You
4. The Dream Of Victory
5. The Dream Of The Past
6. The Dream Of The End
7. The Dream Of Unity
8. The Dream Of Despair
9. The Dream Of Dreams

Added: November 15th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Domain Of Dreams/Solaris MySpace Page
Hits: 2374
Language: english

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