Brazil delivers more and more good bands and a lot of them play music in the
progressive/power metal corner. This Daydream XI is another one and after
releasing an EP and a single this is their debut. Not a lot of bands start with
such a good debut and although some might say that it isn't really original
because the band uses influences from bands like
Symphony X, Dream Theater, Kamelot and some Angra, they have my blessing. The
songs are well written, well arranged, very variable and with nice melodies. On
top of that a singer that immediately can be added to the top 10 of progressive/power
metal vocalists. Tiago Masseti (vocals, guitars) sounds a bit like Russel Allen
and a younger Coverdale (in the bluessier parts) and there are sure worse
singers to be compared with. Another band I had to think of a few times is the
not very known band Outworld and to make the music complete they sometimes add
some 70's Deep Purple kind of keys.
The first track with a bombastic opening sets the tone and the Symphony X
influences and singing style are recognized. The typical rhytmn in the
second track (with some 70's keyboard parts) make me think of (who still knows
that fabulous band) Maraya in their 'No Hope For Humanity' period. "Watch Me
Rise"is a faster more chaotic starting track with a nice drive, sometimes slowed
down by melodic singing parts. "The Age of Sadness" is a slower more melodic
track with Angra references. "Wings of Destruction" sets off like a track from
the first Dream Theater album with very tight drumming and the same kind of
atmosphere, "Phoenix" is one of the most straight forward tracks with a nice
riff, a contagious melody and a nice almost AOR sounding refrain. Songs with a
title "Alone" need most of the times no comment on what kind of style they are
and indeed you guessed it. Every good album needs a ballad and with this track
they fill that need.
After over 50 minutes you keep asking for more and might be a bit dissappointed when you
see that there is only one song left, but no worries. Your hunger for more will
be filled with the final tunes of the over 23 minutes of "The Grand Disguise". A
variable track in which every strong point of the band passes by. Starting with
an epic bit orchestral atmosphere the song carries on in Dream Theater riffing
mode, switches over into an emotional serene part and changes into a more
threatening piece sounding like Symphony X. After 7 minutes some choir
singing enters the song and excellent soli pass by. I'm still not halfway thru the
song and I could carry on telling you what happens next, but I think it is
better that you just experience this journey yourself.
Not a lot af bands are able to write such a long song without
loosing the grip and the focus on the songwriting.
A Job well done and I now quit writing and start
listening at the beginning to enjoy the 77 minutes ride once more.
