Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Dreamaker - Enclosed - Arise Records - 2005

Track Listing1) I Live My Own Life 2) Reverse Universe 3) Over The Edge 4) Living In Fear 5) The End Of Your Suicide 6) Innocent Blood 7) W.W.666 8) Face To Face 9) Enclosed 10) Perfect Soul 11) Take Me Higher 12) Promised Heaven

In an atmosphere of symphonic/gothic/operatic bands, Dreamaker is one of the few female-fronted bands that play Helloween/Gamma Ray style power metal with the ability of the big guys. They formed after band members Elisa C. Martin (vocals), Albert Maroto (guitar) and Jorge Sáez (drums) broke away from fellow Spaniards Dark Moor who play a more orchestrated, stuffy version of the same style. Their main weapon, of course, is vocalist Elisa C. Martin who is no wilting flower when it comes to vocal power.

With this second CD "Enclosed", gone are the mid-paced songs from the last release "Human Device" that weighed it down for a faster, more aggressive overall tone. The entire CD has less of the expansive guitar riffs and a more compressed, straitforward metal sound with racing rhythms and a lot of attitude. Some extreme metal influence is in this one with a touch of black vocals and some ultra-fast drum pattern work which is always on the edge of losing control. As strong as she sings, though, "Enclosed" is missing the love songs and softer vocals that Elisa sings so beautifully, but it makes up for it with an in-your-face drive throughout. The band could develope their lead guitar melodies more, but this one is a better effort than the last CD.

With Elisa at the helm, Dreamaker is arguably one of the best female-fronted power metal groups. If you prefer you Euro-metal to charge non-stop, fast and furious, give this one a try.

Score: 8 of 10

Site: www.dreamaker.net


--Nailer 03.03.05