Label(s):

Relapse Records

Released Year:

2022

Type:

Full-length

Tracklist:

1. Twilight Points the Way2. Heavens Above3. Dreamkiller4. Night Ride5. Edge of the Knife6. Force of a Storm7. The Savior's Lie8. Death to Mercy

It’s been six years since SUMERLANDS released its self-titled debut album; for those who remember, the band’s sound then was a mixture of epic metal with classic heavy metal, where the vocals of Phil Swanson added extra obscurity and mystery to the band.

Now, in their second album, “Dreamkiller”, SUMERLANDS take the big step and change almost everything from their debut; at first, Brendan Radigan (known from his work with BATTERING RAM and STONE DAGGER) has replaced Phil Swanson, leading to a significant style change for the band. His soft and thin voice makes the sound less epic, dark and polemic than the one in the debut, bringing SUMERLANDS closer to classic heavy metal. Secondly, following this change in the vocals, the guitars are now much more crystal-clear, the songs are full of easy-listening riffs and solos, and extremely catchy choruses.

It seems that SUMERLANDS wanted to create an album whose melodies will stick to the listener’s mind, making it easy for everyone to sing along. Well, the band has fulfilled its purpose more successfully than it could be ever imagined; the album is fantastic. Every song has very addictive melodies, traveling you from the 80s heavy metal scene to nowadays with great ease. It’s not easy to write 8 songs all of which are great, but the band has done it. From up-tempo tracks (“Heavens Above”) to doomier songs (“The Savior’s Lie”) everything is here, leaving the band’s mark to the contemporary heavy metal scene.

But honestly, some tracks worth special mention; “Death to Mercy”, “Twilight Points the Way”, and “Dreamkiller” are three songs that are destined to characterize this decade in terms of classic heavy metal. They have something from the magic that OZZY had in “The Ultimate Seen” or IRON MAIDEN in “Somewhere in Time”. It is a just a matter of time for the fans to discover them.

SUMERLANDS wanted to create an album that will stay in time, not just another epic or traditional heavy metal album. “Dreamkiller” is the kind of album that will be remembered in the years to come when people are talking about heavy metal in the 2020s.

Please check the discussion about the band and the album in our forum pages.