SINGLE REVIEW: Dreamslain - He Who Rises in Force

DREAMSLAIN (Norway)
"He Who Rises In Force"
(Under the Bridge Music)
Release date:
December 13th 2019 (BandCamp)
January 31st 2020 (Streaming)

Genre: Melodic death metal, extreme metal, horror metal

Links:
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DREAMSLAIN are a three piece band located in Tromsø, far north in Norway. This year marks the tenth anniversary since the formation of the band, when drummer Daniel Figenschou joined frontman and guitarist Igor Jakobsen to breathe new life into his previously written material. The duo remained constant until keyboardist Anna Loppacher joined in 2013, after which the trio has kept writing and producing their own material. Their efforts have resulted in a handful of singles, as well as the 2018 EP "Tales of War", and it is with their most recent single in mind that we now dive into DREAMSLAIN and their sound.

"He Who Rises in Force" is a self produced, nine minute epic track that contains all the familiar characteristics that DREAMSLAIN already have made their own on their previous endeavours. According to the band themselves, they share an affinity for Scandinavian extreme metal, and this brand new single certainly thrives very well within the same category. The track has a vast variety in tempo and structure, and doesn't feel as lengthy as it actually is.

One factor that helps DREAMSLAIN create a fairly unique sound is their use of church organ, which helps add a sinister atmosphere to the band's expression. In essence, a very dark and epic track in terms of riffs and melody, but keyboardist Loppacher and her church organ create an eerie layer of horror that indeed complements Jakobsen's guitars and Figenschou's intensive drumming.

DREAMSLAIN are said to be recording their first full length, and their two most recent singles ("Ownership Denied" and "He Who Rises in Force") are both products from these sessions.

"He Who Rises in Force" is available for a price of your own choosing on their BandCamp page, so there is no reason why you shouldn't head over there right now and check it out.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

LINE UP:
Igor Jakobsen - vocals and guitars
Anna Loppacher - keyboards, bass pedals and backing vocals
Daniel Paulsen Figenschou - drums and backing vocals