Time Signature
Wide awake...
Genre: melodeath
Dreamshade are categorized as a melodeath band and described as having metalcore tendencies. And, although melodeath and melodic metalcore have received a lot of flak these days - and, in some cases deservedly so - I think that Dreamshade's debut album prove that there is still quality melodeath to be heard.
There is a strong emphasis on melody on this album - both in terms of the riffage itself, a lot of which is ATG-derived uptempo riffage (which is one of the things that I really appreciate about melodeath), and in the use of guitar melodies and harmonies. And in terms of guitar work, Dreamshade deliver, as their guitar work is awesome. To further strengthen the melodic dimension, Dreamshade make heavy use of epic and quasi-symphonic keyboard effects.
And this is one of the things that I have a bit of a beef with. I think that the keyboard effects are superfluous because the guitar work is strong enough to stand on its own without assistance from any other instrumentation than the rhythm section, which is very solid by the way.
There are also a lot of granges and twists and turns going on, which as a slightly progressive edge to the music on this album.
Vocalswise, Dreamshade primarily make use of metalcore screams accompanied by some growling every now and then. All the screaming tends to get a bit monotonous in the long run, and I am wondering whether it would have been better with clean vocals all the way through. I mean, let's face it - melodeath has become so far removed from its death metal roots that growling and harsh vocals are perhaps not really needed anymore within this particular genre; plus clean vocals do add a more melodic tonal dimension than what growling and screaming does.
But, all in all, I think this is one of the better releases within the world of melodeath. Primarily because of the guitar work, and because - despite the focus on melody and the very polished production - there is still a lot of ass-kicking going on on this album. The metal energy is there.
This is an album for guitar lovers!