Artist: Dream Devoid CD Title: "Aeons of Forgetfulness" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 6/10/2001

     Hailing from the ancient lands of Greece is the powerful and mighty Dream Devoid.  The are a fairly new act on the scene only being around for a few years.  This is their second release, after their demo release "Nebulous" in 1997.  Which is also included on this CD as bonus tracks.  The "Nebulous" demo just rocks, with the same type of heavy/fast riffs that you've grown to love.  So actually you'll hear the new songs first and then see where Dream Devoid evolved from.  And I know you'll love it, cuz it floored me.

     With a strong underground following Dream Devoid's following is getting stronger.  The combine elements of speed, power metal, with a touch of progressiveness with the keyboards.  Did I mentions melodic yet?  Theses guys know how to write catchy riffs and good song hooks.  I stake my claim in this band, and I  go as far to say that I think this band's popularity will rise fast.  They are a great combination of musicians and song writers.  I can't wait to get my hands on more of their music.  Along with that, it was a awesome idea to include their 1st demo songs on the CD as well.  If your reading this with out ever hearing the band, I'd have to say that if your a fan of Crimson Glory, Fates Warning, Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, or any heavy/fast metal bands you'll love Dream Devoid!

      I'd also like to mention the great sound quality of this release.  This isn't some two bit recording either.  Songs were well mixed and produced, so it'll sound great cranked in your car CD players (don't worry I already tried it).  So lets get to the low down on "Aeons Of Forgetfulness."

     Track one "In The Sky,"  is a intro for an album.  It starts with a dark phantom of the opera like keyboard intro, then moves into an almost new age mixed with slow techno sounding intro.  This song really helps set the stage for the rest of the CD.

     "Dreams In Void" track two is a blistering power metal song that will rip the flesh right off your back!  Great guitar riffs and accompanying keyboards.  The main riff is very melodic and fast and that's just a taste of what you'll get throughout the whole CD.  Lyrics are cool as well, and the chorus parts in the songs are very large.  If you want catchy, sing along choruses than Dream Devoid is your band.  Dimitris Zalahoris's vocals have quite a range, going from high to deep in a heart beat.  I love how the song steps down a notch at 3:29 with a killer slow bass groove from Panos Argyriou.  The lead comes later in the song at 8:00 and just rips, it actually backs the vocals and is very melodic.  Talking about an epic song, this one has to be one of the best I've heard for a 9 min and 6 second song!  I'd also like to point out the great drum work by Fotis Giannakopoulos.  He can go from super fast double bass to groove laden drumming in a heart beat.  You can tell this guy is very well off in his abilities.  Fotis will beat the hell out of you with his beats throughout the disc so get ready for the unsluaght!

     Track three "Dreamweaver" is another rocker packed with interesting keyboard lines and guitar work.  Liberis Tsabras can really write some cool sounding guitar riffs.  I can't really compare him to other guitar players, he seems to have a style of his own.  I can tell he was heavily influenced by power and speed metal bands that's for sure.  He has a knack for writing fast moving guitar riffs.  This song has a great combination of slow and fast riffs, and the way they merge the tow is priceless.  The lead section at 2:25 is very mild and melodic, Liberis Tsabras does a great job of accenting notes and his ability to add in lots of melody is superb.  You really get a lot in this song, fast riffs, slow acoustic lines, double bass drum work and some speedy bass playing.    And Dimitris Zalahoris's vocals really shine putting all his vocal ranges to the test, from the growl to the higher areas.

     Track four "A Song To Whisper" begins with an elegant flute intro accompanied by keyboards.  The vocals in this song have lots of soul and emotion.  I also love the addition of female vocalist Sonia to this songs.  It's a very peaceful and tranquil song that will relax you.  it's one of my favorites from the CD that's for sure!

    " Leaves of Sorrow" song five opens with a dark and eerie keyboard intro from Panos Milonas.  This song then begins to pick up pace and brings back the fury of Dream Devoid.  I love the powerful sound of the guitar work in this band, and this song brings that rage to the forefront.  The lyrics are interesting as well.  3:10 - 4:57 marks one of the most eeriest leads I've ever endured.  Great guitar harmonies and licks go hand and hand in this one.  I love how Liberis Tsabras orchestrates this section.  Some parts are accompanied by vocals, so he really ties his leads into what the song doing at that time.  This song is packed with so many great riffs and licks so keep a close ear!

     Lastly track six "Aeons of Forgetfulness" the title track brings the CD to an end with grace.  The beginning nylon acoustic intro is beautiful.  Listen closely for the smooth and somber leads lines.  This intro alone shows the great musical diversity of this band's architecture.  Then we move into a moody bass, keyboard, and guitar section that brings the song to a higher level.  Read the lyrics inside the jacket, very poetic.  Their are no main vocal lines in this song just a spoken part, that I just mentioned.

     Looking back, "Aeons Of Forgetfulness" is a great CD to add to the collection and to listen to all the time.  I really feel this band has lots of potential and will be contributing great metal to the movement.  In days of copy cat bands, we need fresh bands who can take metal and add in there fresh outlook on it.  Dream Devoid is a definite contributor to the metal revolution.  They bring elements of power, speed, melody and intelligent song writing to the forefront.  I'm so glad I discovered this band while surfing the web, they have been a great addition to my love for music.  They write honest, meaningful songs that bring out the true glory of Heavy Metal.  Keep the albums coming guys, we need more!