STEEL ARCTUS are an outstanding example of a band in constant evolution. Since their debut, “Fire And Blood” (Valve Studio Records, 2020), they’ve managed to make an impression with their well-crafted guitar work and rich, distinctive vocals. Their return with “Master Of War” (Valve Studio Records, 2022) marked the first steps in their artistic growth – more vivid, more daring, more dynamic. Their songwriting had shed the traces of an anthemic, easy-going style and offered instead a more intricate album, clearly showing the band’s stronger sense of personal identity.
With the solid core trio of Nash G. (guitars, keyboards), Tasos Lazaris (vocals), and Strutter (bass), joined by Minas Chatziminas (drums), the Thessaloniki-based band now return with their third full-length album, titled “Dreamruler”, released through No Remorse Records.
In my opinion, STEEL ARCTUS deliver their best album to date. This beautiful epic heavy/power blend they’ve served since day one now unfolds freely in their compositions. While their early influences lay mainly between MANOWAR, HAMMERFALL, STEEL ATTACK, ICED EARTH, and DREAM EVIL, they now embrace more classic sounds reminiscent of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, and DIO. The band, in my view, now fully absorbs and transforms all its influences into music that bears its own distinctive mark. This is clearly aided by Nash G.’s broader vision for the concept project that bears the STEEL ARCTUS name, as well as Tasos Lazaris’s impressive, instantly recognizable voice. Of course, time itself has played a role, as has the band’s chemistry and the maturation of their musical identity – also reinforced by the recurring narrative theme centered on the Steel Arctus hero across their albums. In any case, I believe that STEEL ARCTUS now know better than ever who they are and what they want to play – and it shows powerfully and convincingly on the new record.
photo by Synodinos Moschidis
“Dreamruler” offers both enviable diversity and a strong sense of cohesion running through the entire tracklist. Sweeping energy, captivating melody, thunderous rhythm, fierce riffs, and soaring vocals – everything is here, once again delivering on every promise. Formulaic patterns and repetitiveness are almost completely gone; the only remaining “mannerism” is the tangible character of a band that, to my ears at least, sounds more confident and liberated than ever.
The album opens with “Cry for Revenge”, a stunning track that charges ahead in true ICED EARTH fashion, grabs you instantly, and never lets go – a wise choice as the album’s first single.
Next comes “Defender of Steel”, showcasing that trademark Greek epic-metal flair that I believe has now become a recognizable element within the broader genre – anthemic chorus, exquisite guitar solo, and a wonderfully unfolding composition imbued with that distinctive Greek melodic touch.
An ideal continuation follows with “Fate of the Beast”, carrying an IRON MAIDEN aura while remaining sharp and fast-paced, tinged with just the right amount of JAG PANZER-like darkness and aggression.
Relentless as ever, STEEL ARCTUS move on with the title track “Dreamruler.” The tempo drops; it’s more staccato, heavy yet deeply melodic, with brilliant vocal climaxes.
At a similar pace, with added keyboards and a mesmerizing bassline that instantly brings DIO to mind, “Wicked Lies” unfolds cleverly, revealing the band’s subtle QUEENSRYCHE side.
By this point, STEEL ARCTUS have already offered a truly enviable fusion of American and European power metal, with a style ranging from classic USPM form to the traditional, hard-hitting yet uplifting German scene, and even the catchy Swedish sound—without ever succumbing to routine.
Proof of all this comes with “Fires of Death” – a song that has it all: it captivates, uplifts, and energizes without losing momentum for a single moment.
I’ll use “Riding Through the Night” to give full credit to the album’s production – an absolutely stellar job by Nash G. and Strutter. Personally, I believe that Stratos Karagiannidis, who has steadily worked on shaping the band’s sound over the years, has contributed enormously to this fresh, modern, yet timeless and thoroughly enjoyable release.
And if the epic tone of the heavy/power spirit seemed briefly to fade from the tracklist, “Glory of the Hero” comes in to restore it generously! Excellent rhythmic interplay, vocal lines that fully support the mood, razor-sharp guitars, and keyboards that add melodic depth.
A British-style steamroller à la JUDAS PRIEST, with touches of Teutonic craftsmanship in the ACCEPT tradition, “Will to Power”—coming right before the end—honors the classic essence of heavy metal in the best possible way.
Then comes the album’s longest track, “Legend of the Warrior”, a near-power ballad with strong American influences and a hint of prog flair. It’s an intriguing composition, though personally, beyond the powerful chorus, I’d have liked a structural twist that would make it stand out even more – don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful song, perfectly crafted and ideal for showcasing each member’s undeniable skill, but I feel it offered an opportunity for something slightly more intricate and daring.
The album closes with “Onar (Όναρ)”, an ideal, acoustic, orchestral epilogue.
Once again, I’ll repeat my belief that “Dreamruler” is STEEL ARCTUS best album to date – one of the most important releases of the Greek metal scene this year, and certainly another domestic release that will stand proudly on an international level.
Special compliments must also go to Manos Lagouvardos for yet another stunning cover artwork.
“Dreamruler” will be released on November 28th by No Remorse Records, on both CD and LP.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can pre-order both CD and LP here.
