by Ben Perry

Band Name: Dream Evil
Album Name: Gold Medal in Metal-Archive
Release Date: August 25, 2008

Line-Up for Record:
Depends on the song and when it was released as Dream Evil has undergone many line-up changes.

Track 1: “Dominator”
A fast driving track that has not been released before, and if this is any indication of the new studio album that’s in the works, SIGN ME UP! The guitar work is absolutely fantastic, and the vocals carry over from the United sessions with that nice blend of high power metal and great middle range. Sweet solo too 
Song Rating: 9.5 out of 10


Track 2: “Fight for Metal”
Another never-before released track, and all though the chorus is a bit lacking for me, it does have some anthem qualities to it as the early Dream Evil material tended to have. The solo and fast driving guitars save this track, not to mention a sweet vocal job.
Song Rating: 8.5 out of 10


Track 3: “December 25th”
I’ve had this song for a long time as a Demo version Niklas’ brother sent me, and I love this final edition! The song was good as a demo so I knew as soon as the actual drum, guitar, and vocal tracks were laid it would turn out to be one doozy of a track. The band does not disappoint here, perfect vocals and delivery all the way through to the final “Bye-Bye”.
Song Rating: 10 out of 10


Track 4: “Pain Patrol”
I love the drum track on this record, it starts off with a untraditional sequence before going into a normal power metal type beat and then switching it up again and going back and forth between the simple and intricate. That and the guitar give a layer of ever-changing atmosphere to the song that works perfectly with Niklas’ smooth vocal. Judas Priest wishes their “Pain Patrol” was this good (Side Note: this is not a cover, it’s a new song written by Mark Black and on the United Japanese version)!
Song Rating: 10 out of 10


Track 5: “Lady of Pleasure”
Another track from the Japanese United, this song has a guitar vibe that just reeks of classic Ozzy (I know it says that in the linear notes, but listen to it…and the choruses!). The scary part of this song…its based on a real Dream Evil roadie’s experience…and apparently his balls really were nailed to the wall .
Song Rating: 9 out of 10


Track 6: “Chapter 6 (66)”
I’ve always loved this track and wished it was released on the American version of The Book of Heavy Metal…but alas, you can find it here at least. The organ intro is just so sinister, reminiscent of Dracula and all, that good classic horror vibes. The chorus drifts off with the 6-6-6 and with that comes that organ for a powerful effect.
Song Rating: 10 out of 10


Track 7: “Gold Medal in Metal”
Unreleased from The Book of Heavy Metal sessions, and I can tell why this song did not make it on any album. It doesn’t hold anything that special, except a chorus that has the anthem ability as some of Dream Evil’s other material, but not to the highest quality. The drumming would stand out as the premier thing on this song, solo is decent with a good beginning.
Song Rating: 6 out of 10


Track 8: “Point of No Return”
This is one of the songs that was only released on the single The First Chapters, and I wish it had made The Book of Heavy Metal album. It has a killer guitar track with such a fast pace, not to mention an insane solo (just listen to that guitar work!!!), and listen for the vocals. Perfection.
Song Rating: 10 out of 10


Track 9: “The Enemy”
You all will recognize that beginning scream as coming from “The Book of Heavy Metal”, and it definitely fits better on that track than on bonus track. The chorus is absolutely smooth with a fast instrument track that follows and soars with the song, culminating in a speeding solo.
Song Rating: 8.5 out of 10


Track 10: “Hero of Zeroes”
From the compilation disc New Found Power, this is actually a solid Dream Evil track with a great vocal overtone to a strong instrumental undertone. Great message too.
Song Rating: 9 out of 10


Track 11: “Bringing the Metal Back”
Previously unreleased from The Book of Heavy Metal sessions, the song doesn’t really do much for me. The chorus has the anthem feel, but everything else reads as lackluster, except the solo, and just misses what is needed for a song to make a full-length album.
Song Rating: 6 out of 10


Track 12: “Betrayed”
I love this song off the Children of the Night Single! It has such an evil vibe in the guitar work as it drifts from riffs to sustained chords. Not to mention Niklas and his amazing vocal work on the chorus that drips antagonism of being betrayed.
Song Rating: 10 out of 10


Track 13: “Evilized (Unplugged)”
This song translated extremely well into the unplugged setting. Originally done in an unplugged setting during a record signing in a store, the band found out the women enjoyed it so much they put this down on tape for them. Not a bad reason to lay a good song down in my opinion!
Song Rating: 8.5 out of 10


Track 14: “Dragonheart”
The neat thing about his tune is it features Andy LaRocque of King Diamond fame playing an insane solo. The theme follows that of Dragonslayer, and it could definitely been on the original album as it has a strong presence and plays into the storyline.
Song Rating: 10 out of 10

Track 15: “Take the World”
This song is rather decent instrumentally…nothing special in my book, and the chorus is just atrocious.
Song Rating: 3.5 out of 10


Track 16: “Crusader’s Anthem (Demo)”
A demo version of the song from The Book of Heavy Metal, mostly the guys just messing around with the lyrics in Swedish, and I wish I understood that language as what they’re saying is supposed to be pretty funny. Not bad for a demo, and of course entertainment value behind the scenes is always a cool glimpse into the band.
Song Rating: 8 out of 10


Track 17: “Touring is My Life (Live)”
A simple live, jam song that’s just meant to be fun. Something we all love our bands to do and share with the fans 
Song Rating: 8 out of 10


Overall Review:
All though this is an album of outtakes, singles, and some new recordings; it holds up well when compared to the actual full-length studio albums Dream Evil has released thus far. There are a plethora of metal anthems, fast-paced driving metal tunes, and even a few ballads on here. Not to mention the regular Dream Evil creed of just having fun on everything they do. This album, and the other components that come with it (the live disc and DVD if you get that package) are recommended whether you’re a casual Dream Evil fan, or a die-hard fanatic.
Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10