The 10th studio album in what seems like just a few short years (and that's not counting EP's and things) from California's Haunt is another stellar short but concise set of classic-sounding heavy metal from singer/guitarist/songwriter Trevor William Church and company. Dreamers follows 2023's Golden Arm with more high-precision melodic heavy metal, the line-up fleshed out by guitarist Andy Lei, drummer Andy Saldate, and Sam Harman on bass & backing vocals. It's not hard to love what's hear, as these guys deliver catchy hooks, blazing lead guitars, wild riffs, and intricate rhythms, all within songs that are between 3-4 minutes long and never overstate their welcome. Some haunting acoustic guitar segues in the rocking "Serenade", while "Locked Out" and "Steel Mountains" provide lots of headbanging moments, but always with those soaring choruses and verses around every corner. "Return to Sender" is a ripper and will take you back to mid-'80s Stryper with all the blazing guitars and killer vocal harmonies, while the cover of The Real Thing's synth-pop classic "Send Me an Angel" is terrific...and I don't normally like cover songs. Closing out the album in fashion and arguably with their strongest material here, we have the crunchy title track and the NWOBHM-tinged "One Chance" and "Visions", all three loaded with incredible lead guitar work from the two axe men and more than just a little hint of early Iron Maiden gallop and twin guitar dexterity.
These guys are cranking out so much new music, and with each release being practically 30 minutes, it's been a pleasure just trying to keep up. Haunt is quickly becoming one of the must-hear US metal bands, so keep the releases coming, guys!
Track Listing
1)Serenade
2)Locked Out
3)Steel Mountains
4)Return to Sender
5)Send Me an Angel
6)Dreamers
7)Once Chance
8)Visions
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