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Friday, May 24, 2013

Dreamshade - The Gift of Life



OK, so Dreamshade has been on my radar ever since I had the (stumbled upon) opportunity to listen to their  2011 album "What Silence Hides".  Switzerland doesn't tend to be my first and foremost place for metal, but with the introduction of digital exposure, bands have been easier than ever to listen to and connect with.  So a very solid album posed me to listen to the prequel "To The Edge of Reality" which was equally entertaining both lyrically and musically.


So here we are now in the present, as Dreamshade has released it's latest LP "The Gift of Life" on January 25th, 2013 (January 29th in North America).  The album was released via Spinefarm Records, who have been their home label since 2010.  The album was produced by Jacob Hansen, who had nothing but good things to say about working with Dreamshade.

"This bunch of merry men totally floored me! Pushing the envelope with what you can do in very melodic, yet very heavy music, makes this metal of the future!" - Jacob Hansen (Hansen Studios, Denmark)


1. Photographs
2. Your Voice
3. The Gift of Life
4. Sandcastles
5. Consumed Future
6. Our Flame
7. Late Confessions
8. Sincere
9. Elisabeth
10. Wants & Needs

Artwork was created (once again) by Colin Marks, who has done work with Dreamshade in past albums.  I personally found it to be a great concept after you get the opportunity to read about the album theme, which you can read later in the article.

"This is the 2nd time I've collaborated with Dreamshade on their artwork and again it's been a pleasure from start to finish.  The band came up with a great concept and it was a lot of fun bringing this to life, and nice to work on a metal layout with much more colour and optimism than is often the case.

From what I've heard so far of The Gift Of Life it sounds like an incredible record.  It's a layout which I'm personally very proud of." - Colin Marks (Rain Song Design, UK)



Why has it all changed?
What have we lost? What have we gained?
Nothing of this will ever remain
Only a bunch of child's memories

So what about the songs and theme behind the album?  What have you to say to that Dreamshade?

"The songs' lyrics are mainly about common life situations: questions, torments, thoughts, goals, facts and reality.. we are not giving life lessons to anyone, on the contrary, some lyrics are about our mistakes. We often tell about what we learned from life no matter if it is right or wrong. The main message is to realize life is the most precious thing we got. And we got it for free.. The gift of life"

(Directed & edited by Andrea Todaro)

Don't wait up for me my dear
'cause I'm not coming home tonight
I know you will have fear

OK, so we got a good idea of the ambition these guys from Lugano have set forth.  Much like other groups I've covered in the past, most of their fan base lies in Europe and tour accordingly.  Here's hoping they make their stint on a good North American tour and get some exposure.  Nothing like a wee bit of melodic metal to round out a tour bill.  Their albums are available through multiple media outlets, so if you hear what you like...then you know the drill!

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