While the World Sleeps is the third album, self released, from this Finnish quintet. Judging by the artwork of the booklet, you feel this album was made to attract a gothic girl public, and it is not too far from the truth.
The production work is good, considering this being an independent album and the sound is powerful. Beyond the Dream is a gothic metal band that has composed eight melodic and somewhat dark compositions. Opening track, "A Foreplay for the Wolves", is a strong tune with their trademark juicy riffs, rough/decipherable vocals and possesses a dramatic vibe. This is, by far, their strongest number. After that, they sort of went for a diluted formula up until the end. The juicy riffing and the rough vocals are still present, as well as the omnipresent harmonies coming from the keyboards. Few leads are scattered here and there, but the guitars are mostly used for the riffing. The vocals of Harri Kauppines are emotionless most of the time, although they are slightly better when effects are being applied to them. You will find elements of progressive metal in their time signature in a few occasions. None of the tracks are bad as such; they just lack emotion, sparks and something else that I can't put my finger on. Half way through it, you start feeling bored by this music, which is too bad since these guys are good musicians and they are tight as a band.
I guess you will need to check them out for yourself to see if While the World Sleeps is your type of metal. Maybe the goth crowd will rave about this album, but personally, I was not overly charmed.
Track listing:
1-A Foreplay for the Wolves
2 – Your Spit as a Flower on the Tomb in me
3 – You are the Water
4 – Rotting Lovers, Withering Flowers
5 – Am I Awake?
6 – Red Rivers
7 – Don't Fear the Sin
8 – The Hands on the Hearts Beating no More Into the Rhythm of our Love
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