In 2003, Dream Evil released their sophomore album
Evilized, and it also happens to be one of the four albums their main guitarist (at that time) Gus G., also takes apart of during the year as a full time member of a total of four other bands at the same time. Some might be raising an eyebrow or two, because of Gus G. being in quite a handful of other bands. It's funny because Dream Evil, Mystic Prophecy, and Nightrage during the year of 2003 show why Gus is considered a prodigy amongst the metal world. Only in Firewind did he show dried up guitar riffs from being used too much. But that's besides the point. In
Evilized Gus shows classic Gus G. riffs and solos that make him a formidable guitar virtuoso. But Dream Evil isn't all about Gus, it has plenty of stars within the music industry. Such as the famous producer Fredrik Nordström, whom has produced for many, many famous Swedish metal acts, along with famous acts across Europe for that matter. On drums there's even Snowy Shaw who's mostly known for playing drums on a few Mercyful Fate albums, he's even played bass/clean vocals on the so-so album of
Abrahadabra by Dimmu Borgir, along with other bands such as Therion. Even their vocalist Niklas Isfeldt, may not be the most busy guy from Dream Evil, but he surely is one of the leading forces within the band and shows why he should be a respected singer within the power metal genre. Well, basically that's the main core of the band until a few people started to leave right after
The Book of Heavy Metal album.
The best way I can describe
Evilized is that it's an album that mixes the styles of heavy metal and power metal with some occasional thrash metal/speed metal type riffs complimented by Gus G. himself. Another great description that arises is a comparison to Iron Maiden as well. Instrumentally they're no where near being like Iron Maiden, but Niklas' vocals are strong and close enough to replace Bruce Dickinson himself if he ever left Iron Maiden for some reason. An even more funnier description of Niklas' vocals could be if Bruce Dickinson's voice had sex with Ronnie James Dio's voice.
As the album goes, every song runs in the same vein as each other. For instance, songs like
Break the Chains,
Invisible,
By My Side, and
Fight You Till the End all have heavy riffs, soaring vocals, crazy solos by Gus G., with an overall heavy metal feel to it all. But they do mix it up, songs like
Bad Dreams has some sort of characteristic of doom metal in the main riff, with haunting add-ins of some synth like whistle. While it's still a good song, it's just not the best off the album. But
Evilized isn't just filled with heavy metal songs – don't look no further, because there are three ballads off of the album,
Evilized,
The End, and
Forevemore. While they're all emotional sounding and what not, they happen to be quite enjoyable, but I dare not say that they're highlights of any sort. If I had to chose one I'd chose the self-titled song,
Evilized over the other two any day. I'm not sure if it's me or anybody else, but Dream Evil's ballads have never stood on the right note with me, they really aren't that exciting or interesting compared to other band's ballads out there.
With every album practically having an anthem of some sort, in this case none of the before mentioned songs happen to be the anthem. In
Evilized the anthem of the album lies in the middle of the album entitled
Children of the Night.While it may be a simple song, it's catchy as hell with some of the best performances from everyone off of the album, and it's highly recommended, because you'll be singing along with the chorus or at least nodding your head to it at the end. As well, there are even other interesting aspects of Dream Evil's music. If you're familiar to any Dream Evil album then you should know about their tribute songs to the Metal genre. In
Evilized Dream Evil makes a silly song about how they're made out of metal entitled
Made of Metal, while it's a heavy song with a shouting chorus, the song falls short of making the cut of being an awesome song.
In conclusion,
Evilized is a straight up power metal album that blends heavy metal together perfectly as one. It may not have Dragon slaying lyrics like the debut, but it sure can pack a punch. It's safe to say that Dream Evil's
Evilized is an awesome album that will be enjoyed by people who aren't even fans of power metal as well as fans who are into power metal.
Recommended Songs:
Break the Chains
Invisible
Fight You Till the End
Children of the Night
By My Side
