On its 2004 independent debut album The Release, Dream Quest emphasizes power and speed metal in a head-turning expertly performed package. Hailing from the ‘snowy wastelands and sunny plains of Manitoba, Canada’ and playing what it refers to as ‘Adventure Metal’ (quoting the groups press material either way), Dream Quest came together in 2001 when brothers Mark D. (guitars) and Steve D. (drums) joined forces with Phil J. (lead vocals & bass) ahead of recording several demos. To give listeners the best idea of the Dream Quest sound, the group coined the term ‘Adventure Metal’ to mean a ‘(combining of) blazing fast drums, mesmerizing guitars, soaring melodies, and cascades of harmonies’ that leaves impression as ‘catchier than speed metal, heavier than pop-punk, and more innovative than hard rock’ (again, the groups press material).
I identify with ‘Adventure Metal’ as extending beyond power and speed based themes to encompass also the accessibility of classic metal and even unpredictable progressive nuances. Musically, significant licks and chops are required to pull off such variances, and Dream Quest delivers in spades with its technical proficiency, dexterous performance and inspired musicianship. Lyrically, I hesitate to label Dream Quest a Christian band - perhaps a ‘positive Adventure Metal band’ might be the more accurate indicator - although strong faith based statements are indicative throughout its prose, while liner notes thank ‘the living God who is the source of all creativity’.
Opener “Facekicker” represents a quintessential example of Dream Quest style ‘Adventure Metal’. Song accelerates its span, surging to an uninhibited low-end and hyper-intensive riffing, but stays true to the palpable, layered vocal melodies enrich the singular refrain and neo-classical subtleties the whirling instrumental moments. I sense a bit of Narnia on this one. Lyric snippet:
Don't listen to his words
Don't believe in his lies
It's you he'll despise
Kick some face! We'll fight him 'til we die
Rile up our troopers who see in different light
With open eyes we see his lies, we'll change what's wrong to right
We now expect it
We can correct it
Albums six minute title track is another winner. “The Release” impresses as divergent, distinct to mid-tempo verse sections in which stout rhythm guitar abides at the forefront and upbeat refrain to see high-strung double bass play an overseeing role. Highlight is the two-minute instrumental interlude running the gamut from jazzy bass to neo-classical soloing- the Dream Quest musicianship is nothing less than stunning!
“I Am Commander” makes another power to speed based statement. Albums second six-minute piece, it gives prominence to an expeditious bleeding of equal parts athletic and rampant- there is no let up, but rather an all inclusive explosion as the band unveils its repertoire of full tilt licks and chops. Imaging an out of control Deliverance in top melodic speed metal form but going the epic route. Lyric snippet:
Trust myself to do what's right
My life is in my hands
No one else will take that
Not one day has worry added to my life
Trouble worries for itself
Years have passed me by
I've wasted them now my mind's in disarray
I'm not that far away
“Wonder” finds Dream Quest stretching and pushing beyond its intricate power metal boundaries for a mid-paced melodic metal bent. When further factoring a medieval slant found in militant drums and chanted backing vocals, song also touches upon the worshipful. Yet, the group’s innate creativity realizes in form of the passage over the final minute in which guitar drops from the mix for whispered vocals and pounding drums. Lyric snippet:
Many times I wonder why You
Stretched across the cross for me
Your life for my life, now I live to give You glory
I do not deserve it Your concern remains a mystery
This song is sung to raise up Your name in majesty
You had the power to show them
Strike 'em all down, one blow, Saviour
You took the pain like a man
Suffered and died, all pre-planned
Instrumental “Doppelganger”, three minutes of astute classical guitar, transitions to "Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today". What we have is a return to the group’s fleet speed metal ways realized in far reaching overtures - multifaceted drum patters collide with bulldozing thrash swayed riffs - and boundless refrain to see Phil J. stretch and reveal the full breadth to his at times classic tenor and others expansive mid-ranged vocal delivery. Interestingly, song begins to a mirthfully bounding rhythm that returns at the start of a classically nuances instrumental run stretching a third of the six minute span.
“11th Hour” is another breakneck Dream Quest style anthem. Song rotates between staggering verse sections in which rhythm guitar plays a spacious role (bordering on power thrash) and whirlwind refrain endorsed by notorious double kick drum (I sense a bit of a European metal flair), In between, “11th Hour” dives into a two minute progressive predicated instrumental run featuring time signatures too numerous to mention. Awesome song! Lyric snippet:
Rise and decide or hide and cower
You must decide
Before you reach the 11th hour
You are trying to ignore it; procrastination
The hour hand keeps spinning to its destination
It is easy to look away
Pillars of choice start to decay
Pressure increases fast
A vote must soon be cast
“Subvenio” ensues as a cinematic three minutes of Gregorian chanting in Latin, operatic vocals (also Latin), symphonic choirs and outbursts of resplendent harmonies. This one finds Dream Quest at its creative and outside the box best.
“Anthem Of The World” closes the album strongly. Song kicks in at a smoldering tempo and does not let up its six and half minutes, malevolent with its upbraiding rhythms and belting percipience - occasional backend screams elevate the angst - but not forsaking the procurable as layered backing vocals akin to Theocracy and resplendent refrain allow a contrasting effect. Tower bells and soaring falsettos bring The Release to its momentous close. Lyric snippet:
Now we sing with a glad heart and chase away all the fears of a
World without purpose lacking a reason, vision
Earth cried out from the depths of her misery, she will no longer weep
See the joy of creation the way it's meant to be
Praise be now to the one who has authored this shining kingdom come
Crown him master of Terra a mighty saviour
All hail now to His Majesty praise for we're given amnesty
The old tyrant is dead and forgotten - legions cast away
Dream Quest delivers an impressive showing on debut The Release. Musicianship wise, the group’s technical acumen is off the charts from delivering in each of the key areas: lightning like guitar leads, bulldozing double kick drum and spacious bass. Songwriting stays true to compelling power and speed-based themes but not without making the occasional progressive foray. From a constructive standpoint, perhaps Dream Quest could have on occasion backed from the expeditious mindset for added melodic mid-paced moments, but otherwise the album is musically solid. Those into an amalgamating of power and speed metal are encourage to track down a copy of The Release.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: "Facekicker" (4:01), "The Release" (5:49), "I Am Commander" (6:32), "Wonder" (4:32), "Doppelganger" (2:47), "Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today" (6:15), "11th Hour" (5:46), "Subvenio" (2:50), "Anthem Of The World" (6:21)
Musicians
Phil J. - Lead Vocals & Bass
Mark D. - Guitars
Steve D. - Drums & Percussion
