Artist: Dream Evil
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 7/13/04
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Title: The Book of Heavy Metal Artist: Dream Evil Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 7/13/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
So I was on a bus on my way to Connecticut when I first put this record on. Within the first few minutes I was already laughing audibly enough for the person next to me to stare at me for a second. I was a little embarrassed, but not as much as I would have been if the person knew what I was listening to.
"One word review: Embarrassing (that I like it)." As is obvious from my review of the atrocious Evilized, I can't really take this band seriously. Like Manowar before them, Dream Evil revel in heavy metal stereotypes so much so that they are really less a metal band than a parody of one. One need only listen to the opening track, "The Book of Heavy Metal" to realize this. The lyrics are ridiculous, centering on how 'metal' the subject is, but don't take my word for it. As the song says, you can "Read all about it! In the Book of Heavy Metal!". And I can't help it, but when I hear someone who sounds 40 (at least in my mind) singing, "The only thing I want is what my parents don't" I can only think that maybe it's time that you move out on your own. Could you imagine Dio singing that today? So no, I'll never be able to take this band seriously. But with that being said, this album is a vast improvement over Evilized.
Whereas the preceding album was stupid and tepid, this album sees the songwriting improving significantly. The guitar sound is really good and really nostalgic, and Niklas' vocals are clear and powerful. One thing the band needs to make no apologies for is the fourth track, "No Way." This song is a killer tribute to Ozzy, sounding like it was written by a hybrid of Jake E. Lee and early Zakk Wylde. It is a great song no matter which angle you look at it from. In the chorus the vocals even turn to a solid Ozzy impression, making me wish the Ozzman was currently putting out material this strong. If Dream Evil had kept up this sort of vision throughout this disc, it would be one of the best of the year.
But as it is this is a solid record that has some bright spots, but is marred by its cheesiness. One thing is for sure: if you can get past the lyrics, Dream Evil have proven that they bring a great deal to the table with this release. One word review: Embarrassing (that I like it).
Death's Review:
Two points to get straight right off of the bat: (1) this album is in so many ways absolutely ridiculous; and (2) this album in so many ways absolutely rocks. It all comes down to this: do you like the 80's rock? Well, do you? I'm talking about Grim Reaper, Helix, Y&T, Whitesnake, Dokken, Warlock, Loudness, and Scorpions, The Ultimate Sin-style Ozzy, Sacred Heart-style Dio, Turbo-style Judas Priest. The kind of stuff that was definitely considered metal but yet was really chessy and always had a commercial hook. Gang choruses and melodic guitar solos and posturing frontmen ruled the day, and Dream Evil is bringing it back. It actually is kinda cool. I think Dream Evil would do great opening up for Metal Skool at the Roxy on Sunset Strip in Hollywood on Monday nights, if that helps to put it in perspective for some of you SoCal fans.
"It actually is kinda cool." The lyrics are so bad they can only be camp. Viewed that way, they are actually funny. But musically this is pretty good. None of those 80's albums ever sounded this well produced. In the end, Dream Evil has scaled back on the power metal and just gone plain old heavy metal. I think it works for them. I like it better. Few bands are doing this in 2004 (Fozzy?). If you enjoy a band that does not take itself too seriously and if you love the 80's metal sound, then check this one out.
Hel's Review:
You should have a good idea of what you’re in for with this record from the very first note: “Metal!” sung in a very high note and sustained for quite awhile. The Book of Heavy Metal definitely has a theme; it is a compendium of metal anthems. Think classic 80s metal meets a Manowar state of mind. A plethora of classic bands are evoked in my mind while I listen to this record.
"In its way, it is an absolutely brilliant record." However, Dream Evil has dished this one up with a heavy side of cheese. To be perfectly honest, I just wasn’t in the mood for this kind of album this week. Though, to continue being honest, I’m not sure I’m ever in the mood for this kind of album any more. Still, even for all my personal prejudice, I still have to acknowledge that this is a well-crafted and well-executed effort.
There is no denying that The Book of Metal is classic power metal delivered by a band at the top of their game. In its way, it is an absolutely brilliant record. The songs are irresistibly catchy, and you will certainly be singing along after just a few listens. I feel as though I know every word of this record by heart already. Definitely go and get this if you are a fan.
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