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Dream of Illusion: Decadence

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

SG Records/7Hard Records
www.myspace.com/dreamofillusion
www.dreamofillusion.it
By Craig Hartranft,  01.03.2011

Hailing from Italy, a country well known for it's robust melodic heavy and power metal, Dream of Illusion delivers much the same on Decadence. Certainly not near the grandiose theatrics of, say, Rhapsody of Fire, DOI still delivers melodic metal on the heavier side and with some rock n roll sensibility. It's hard to decipher the origins of DOI from the broken English of their one-sheet biography. But they suggest influences as deep as Deep Purple, AC/DC, and Guns N Roses. These are heady and worthwhile peers. However, Dream of Illusion stills sound like heavier European melodic power metal to me. Though Rocker Warrior and obviously misspelled Mistery enjoy some sense of rock accessibility. Actually these songs, along with Born to Rock, Hysteria (no allusions Def Leppard), and others emphasize this real rock feel. Much of this comes from the strong rhythm section, but also Francesco Valentini' melodic and sublime vocals.

As I've mentioned several times, 'heavier' is a theme here. Of all the Italian 'metal' bands, DOI wants to cut a path through the typical and prejudicial views of Italian metal bands, but does not necessarily succeed. As I concluded earlier, Decadence is European melodic power/heavy metal, both true to form and exceptional against their peers. At this point, you my feel my comments are vague and ambivalent; you might be right. Nevertheless, there's real talent and ingenuity here, even if Decadence is signature Euro power metal. Listen to that rhythm section once more, those terrific arrangements, and those stirring guitar solos, and I think you'll get it. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

On Decadence, Italy's Dream of Illusion delivers traditional Euro melodic heavy/power metal with talent, precision, and ingenuity often exceeding their peers.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]