REVIEWS

melodicrock.com

Dreamtide features the guitarist and chief songwriter from Fair Warning - Helge Engelke, along with he fellow band mates Torsten Luderwald (keyboards) and drummer CC Behrens.
Rounding out this new band is vocalist Olaf Senkbeil (backing vox, Blind Guardian and ex-Jack's Hammer) & bassist Ole Hempelmann (Thunderhead).
As expected, Dreamtide's sound relies heavily on the influences of Fair Warning and that band's unique flair for big tempo, big production sounding European hard rock.
But who needs Fair Warning when you have Dreamtide?!!
After living with this album for a few weeks, I can report that the songs on this album are stronger and more likeable than any of the Fair Waning albums. Some fans of Fair Warning vocalist Tommy Heart might disagree, but this is a bloody strong album. This is also heavier and more in your face than Fair Warning.
New vocalist Olaf is a great addition and fits the band's style perfectly.
Tracks like Ten Years Blind and Come With Me are commercial European hard rock at it's best.
Then there's the bigger more bombastic tracks like What You Believe In and Sundance. The band can also tackle the slower tracks, as demonstrated with ease on the moody rock ballad Dreamers and the symphonic Heaven Knows.
The guy self produced this album, and to their credit have done a great job, especially with the mix. The sound of the band is a complex mix of vocals, harmonies, lead guitar and keyboards, but the result has all these elements evenly mixed.
The album features a whole range of influences and song styles, but collectively it comes together easily. It's quite a long album, but never a boring or uneventful one. Just a classy one.
A special mention of the packaging and artwork for the album – very nicely done! BOTTOM LINE: The Fair Warning comparison isn't the sole component of the new band's sound. What the guys have amassed here is a collection of very likeable, very strong, structured rock songs.
I would also like to add that the quality of the musicianship on this record is also very high. This is a very professional outfit and the delivery of the songs refects that.
European rock fans should grab this immediately, as it's one of the strongest and best produced albums of it's genre this year.

PRODUCTION: 94% SONGS: 93% VIBE: 92% ATTITUDE: 94%