Maybe I just missed DREAM EVIL, but when I first stuck in “In The Night” I found myself instantly headbanging and singing along. Even on my first spin. I mean, “United” was a good release for the band, but that was four years ago and quite frankly Power Metal hasn’t been in the best shape the last few years. So maybe I needed a new DREAM EVIL to kick my ass. Luckily, that’s what I got on their fifth full length album.

This isn’t some epic symphonic and dire Power Metal release that has been popular the last few years in the genre. Nope, DREAM EVIL are back to their old shenanigans on “In The Night” with energetic fist pumping anthems, lighter igniting ballads, shredding melodies, and catchy as hell soaring vocal parts. There is nothing new on this album and if you’ve heard “United” then you’ve essentially heard this one too.

The major thing about “In The Night” is how much fun it is. These guys take their Metal seriously, but its down with tongue in cheek approaches and it works very nicely. They’re arrogant, flamboyant, and down right awesome in their song writing. The simple tried and true Power Metal form (as laid down in a style similar to that of a slower GAMMA RAY or HELLOWEEN) is a nice break from all of the new epic stuff that is coming out lately. I dare anyone with any sense of humor not to chant along to “Immortal” or start throwing up the horns to “Bang Your Head”. In fact, I dare you to keep a smile off of your mug when “The Ballad” starts and you hear the lyrics. Is it cheesy? Oh yes. Is it awesome? Very much yes.

“In The Night” doesn’t fuck with the formula too much of your standard Power Metal song too much and it’s because of this that this album works so charmingly. With Power Metal being such a tough genre to get right lately it’s this consistency that will always keep me coming back to DREAM EVIL. “In The Night” is another awesome album to add to their already impressive catalog.

Songs to check out: “Immortal”, “Electric”, “Kill, Burn, Be Evil”.

(Online April 15, 2010)