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Track Listing: Failed Apocalypse Trivial No More Heretic Prophecy Spheres Hated Dreams Come True (feat. Melissa Ferlaak) Transcend Voice Of Gods Storm Bird Of Prey ...To Dream Alone Dreams Come True (acoustic)

Rising Dream is the first Croatian metal band that I have heard. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually like their new album. The first time I heard them was when I was told that they were going to open for maiden in Croatia back in 2008. I would classify this album as aggressive power metal because it is power metal with thrash elements. That's a pretty lethal combination in itself. The song writing on this album is near perfect with melodies that keep you wanting more.

Most of the songs on this album have a keyboard riff that drives them from the start. The second thing to note here is that the male vocalist has a style that will take a while to get used to. The only other vocalist that had this problem with me was Matt Barlow from iced earth. When you get used to it, you enjoy it. The melodies on the songs are highly influenced by Iron Maiden. Josko Barbir and Goran Paleka have really taken their guitar playing to the next level. The solos are well composed and fit the songs perfectly. The only thing that gets a little repetitive is that keyboard riff that I mentioned earlier. Mellissa Ferlaak's vocals are a nice addition and I feel she should have been on all the songs. Her voice complements Josip's voice very well. 'Transcend' is one of the best pieces of pure guitar that I have heard in a long time.

The stand out tracks on this album are 'Dreams Come True' , 'Transcend', 'Storm' and 'Voice of Gods'. This album is nowhere near an epic album but they are definitely getting there. The band has improved considerably since their past effort and will definitely make heads turn with their next album. Failed Apocalypse is almost there. The acoustic cut of 'Dreams Come True' is absolutely epic and it reminds me of Blaze Bayley's song, 'Sadness Surrounding Me.' They have recruited a female vocalist as a full time member of the band and will no doubt exceed everyone's expectations with their next album.

This album is recommended to fans of Blind Guardian and Iced Earth.

Check out Rising Dream's official website.